Kroger Elevates Garnes to Helm Fry's; Ups McKinney to SVP

The Kroger Co. promoted two key executives to help support its Restock overhaul. 

The executive changes will see current corporate VP of produce-floral merchandising Monica Garnes lead the retailer's Tolleson, Ariz.-based Fry's Food Stores division as president. In her new role, Garnes becomes Kroger's first African-American division leader. Additionally, Steve McKinney, current president of the 123-store Fry's division, has been promoted to SVP of retail divisions.

Monica Garnes

Garnes began her career with Kroger in 1995 when she joined the management training program in the Columbus division. She held a variety of leadership roles in her 23-year career with the Cincinnati-based chain, including human resources coordinator, produce buyer, store manager, public affairs manager and district manager before advancing to produce-floral merchandiser in the division. Garnes was promoted to VP of merchandising for the Fry's division in 2013, and named to her current role in 2015.

She has supported the community as a member of United Way's Women of Tocqueville and Herbert R. Brown Society, and currently serves on the United Way of Greater Cincinnati Board of Directors, Mount St. Joseph University Board of Trustees and Lucky's Market Board of Trustees.

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"Monica is a recognized leader in our business and across the industry," said Kroger EVP/COO Mike Donnelly in a statement. "She combines a willingness to embrace fresh ideas with a keen business savvy that yields real results. As the company's first African-American division president, we are excited to have Monica drive and influence change in our company through her expertise and perspective, and we are eager for her to bring her passion for people and results to Fry's."

Steve McKinney

McKinney began his career with Kroger in 1981 as a clerk for Florida Choice Supermarkets, a former Kroger banner. While there, he advanced to store manager, buyer and field representative. In 1988, he joined Fry's and served in various leadership positions, including deli director and executive director of operations. He was promoted to VP of operations for Fry's in 1998. In 2006, McKinney was named VP of operations for Kroger's Southwest division. In 2007, he became VP of operations for the company's Ralphs division and was next named to lead Fry's as president in 2013.

"Steve's nearly 37 years of Kroger experience and deep knowledge of food retail will help our divisions continue to execute with excellence," Donnelly said. "Steve has always been passionate about creating uplifting associate and customer experiences. We look forward to him joining our senior leadership team as we continue to drive Restock Kroger."

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