Tuffin Succeeds Hallsey as Smith's President

SN STAFF

CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. here said Tuesday hat it has named Mark Tuffin president of the company's Smith's division, succeeding Jim Hallsey, who is retiring.

Tuffin joined Smith's in 1996 and was named vice president of merchandising in 1999. In 2009, he was named vice president of transition for Kroger, leading Kroger's effort to "implement significant organizational changes" at the company.

Hallsey, who joined Smith's in 1964, help several management positions at banner, including senior vice president of its drug division. In 1995, he was named senior vice president and manager of the division's regional office in Phoenix. He was later appointed executive vice president of sales and marketing in 1998.

In 2001, Hallsey was promoted to president of Smith's division. Under his leadership, Smith's significantly improved its customer service, associate engagement and financial results, Kroger said. He also played a critical role in the merger of Fred Meyer and Smith's operations in 1997.