Kroger Names Young Operations VP

CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. here said it has promoted Steve Young to vice president of operations of the company's Central Division, based in Indianapolis, from the position of vice president of process change at Kroger's corporate headquarters here. Young, a 30-year veteran of Kroger, began his career in the company's Atlanta Division. He has also been vice president of operations in Kroger's Southwest and Mid-Atlantic Divisions. The Central Division includes 153 supermarkets, mostly in Indiana and Illinois, under the Kroger, Scott's, Owen's, Highlander and Pay Less banners.

PRICE CHOPPER HIRES TWO NEW VPS

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Price Chopper Supermarkets here announced last week that Mike Davidson has been named regional vice president, operations, reporting to David Golub, vice president of operations. In addition, Irfan Badibanga has been promoted to the position of zone director, reporting to Al Provancher, regional vice president, operations. In his newly created position, Davidson will oversee 29 Price Chopper stores in parts of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. Also in a newly created position, Badibanga will oversee stores in the Albany, N.Y., area. Davidson was vice president of operations at Marsh Supermarkets, Indianapolis, and previously had been with Tops Markets, Williamsville, N.Y. Badibanga most recently was director of store operations with H.E. Butt Grocery Co., San Antonio. Prior to that, he was a district manager for Winn-Dixie Stores, Jacksonville, Fla.

LAUREL HIRES SCHWINN, McCURRY

LONDON, Ky. — Wholesaler Laurel Grocery Co. here has hired two industry veterans as vice presidents. Mark Schwinn, who brings 30 years of experience, including positions at two major wholesalers, has been named vice president of distribution. Meanwhile, John McCurry, who has spent more than 30 years in senior management positions with various major retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers, has been hired as senior vice president of marketing. He is responsible for purchasing all products, including perishables, nonfoods and grocery, as well as for advertising and customer service.