EXECUTIVE CHANGES: PICHLER TO RETIRE AS KROGER CHAIRMAN...GROCERY OUTLET NAMES TIERNAN PRESIDENT 2004-02-16 (1)

PICHLER TO RETIRE AS KROGER CHAIRMAN

id Joseph A. Pichler will end his 21-year association with the company June 24 when he retires as chairman and director of the company prior to the chain's annual meeting. The board plans to elect David B. Dillon, the chain's chief executive officer since last June, as chairman under a plan of succession that was announced at last year's annual meeting. At the time, Pichler said he would retire sometime before his 65th birthday in October 2004. Pichler joined Kroger in 1983 following its merger with Dillon Cos., Hutchinson, Kan., and served as CEO for 13 years and as chairman for 14 years.

GROCERY OUTLET NAMES TIERNAN PRESIDENT

BERKELEY, Calif. -- Grocery Outlet here said it has named Bob Tiernan president and chief operating officer. He succeeds James Patitucci, Grocery Outlet's former president and chief executive officer, who has left the company. Tiernan, a former Oregon state legislator, had been Grocery Outlet's legal counsel for the past 15 years. With 120 independently owned stores and 15 corporate stores in 10 states, Grocery Outlet offers discounts on brand-name frozen and refrigerated foods, dry groceries, beer and wine, health and beauty care products, over-the-counter drugs and general merchandise.