KROGER SHIFTS STRUCTURE

CINCINNATI -- Kroger Co. here said it has shifted division reporting assignments among three senior vice presidents to strengthen its organizational structure.

ores divisions. Bryant will relocate to Kroger headquarters here after being based in Portland, Ore., where he oversaw the integration of Kroger's West Coast properties, including Fred Meyer, QFC, Ralphs, Smith's, Food 4 Less and Fry's.

Donald E. Becker will be responsible for Kroger's Cincinnati/Dayton, Mid-South (Louisville and Nashville), Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Fry's divisions. He had previously been responsible for Atlanta, Central, Cincinnati/Dayton, Louisville, Mid-Atlantic, King Soopers and City Markets divisions.

James R. Thorne will be responsible for Kroger's Columbus, Michigan, Southwest, Dillon Stores, King Soopers, City Markets, Smith's and convenience store divisions. He was previously responsible for Columbus, Michigan, Southwest, Delta, Nashville and convenience stores.

All three executives will continue to report to David B. Dillon, Kroger president and chief operating officer, who said the division realignment "reflects the success of Kroger's merger integration and lays the foundation for continued growth in the years ahead."