CINCINNATI, May 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced the retirement of Sukanya Madlinger, senior vice president of retail divisions, and the promotion of Calvin Kaufman to succeed her. Mr. Kaufman currently serves as president of Kroger's Louisville division.

Kroger today also announced the promotion of Ann Reed to serve as president of Kroger's Louisville division. Ms. Reed currently serves as vice president, Customer 1^st Promise at the company's general office. She succeeds Calvin Kaufman.

Sukanya Madlinger to Retire after 31 years of Service

Sukanya Madlinger will retire from the company after 31 years of service, effective June 19. 

"Throughout her accomplished career, Sukanya has exemplified true leadership," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Sukanya's focus on developing future talent and fostering strong partnerships helped build a deep bench of leaders to sustain Kroger's future growth. The entire Kroger family wishes her and her family the best in retirement."

Ms. Madlinger joined Kroger in 1986 as a store management trainee in the Cincinnati/Dayton division and has held a variety of leadership positions in stores and merchandising throughout her tenure. In 2003, she was named vice president of drug/general merchandise/pharmacy merchandising and procurement for Kroger's corporate office in Cincinnati. Ms. Madlinger returned to the Cincinnati/Dayton division in 2008 as vice president of merchandising, and was promoted to lead the division as president in 2010. She was promoted to her current role as senior vice president of retail stores in 2015.

Calvin Kaufman Promoted to Senior Vice President

Kroger promoted Calvin Kaufman to serve as senior vice president of retail stores.

"Calvin is an unwavering advocate for improving the customer and associate experience in ways that will accelerate growth and create shareholder value," said Mr. McMullen. "His passion for strengthening our corporate culture and clarifying our company purpose makes him a natural fit for our leadership team."

Mr. Kaufman joined Kroger in 1994 in the Fred Meyer Logistics group in Portland, Ore. He served Fred Meyer in several different logistics roles, including group vice president of Fred Meyer Logistics. Mr. Kaufman went on to serve in several leadership roles with Kroger's logistics team before being named president of Kroger Manufacturing and Corporate Brands in 2008. He was named to his current role as president of the Louisville Division in 2013.

Mr. Kaufman has previously represented Kroger on the boards of the International Dairy Foods Association, American Baker's Association, and the Kentucky Retail Federation.

He and his family will be relocating to the Cincinnati area.

Ann Reed Promoted to President of the Louisville Division

Kroger promoted Ann Reed to serve as president of the company's Louisville division. 

Kroger's Louisville division is based in Louisville, KY and operates stores across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

"Ann has shown tremendous leadership in driving our Customer 1^st Promise and company purpose into our business strategy," said Mr. McMullen. "Ann brings to our Louisville division team her dedication to and deep understanding of our customers, associates and communities."

Ms. Reed began her career with Kroger as a co-manager in the company's Central division in 1993. She has served in a number of leadership positions in divisions and at Kroger's general office, including store manager, category manager, deli/bakery merchandiser, director of deli/bakery and director of fresh ready meals. Ms. Reed was promoted to vice president of merchandising at Fry's in 2010, followed by vice president of merchandising at Fred Meyer in 2013. She was named to her current position in 2015.

Ms. Reed and her family will be relocating to the Louisville area.

Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 443,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to our 2,255 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 319 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,445 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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