Kroger Names Health Care Benefits Expert to Lead The Little Clinic

CINCINNATI, April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has named Michael J. Stoll Chief Executive Officer of The Little Clinic, Kroger's wholly-owned in-store health clinic subsidiary. The Little Clinic locations in Kroger stores offer quality health care and wellness solutions for customers and associates that are convenient and affordable.

"The Little Clinic is an essential part of Kroger's commitment to health and wellness for all of the customers we serve. Mike's extensive experience in health care benefits and customer insight will guide us as we continue to look for innovative ways to build on the shared expertise in our clinics and our stores," said David B. Dillon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kroger.

Mr. Stoll brings 34 years of experience with Kroger in corporate benefits, human resources management and store operations to his new role. In his most recent position as Vice President of Corporate Benefits, Mr. Stoll played a key role in developing the health care strategy and pension plans for Kroger's 334,000 full- and part-time associates. He is a member of Anthem's Customer Advisory Group, co-chair of the Merrill Lynch Customer Advisory Board, and is a member of Kroger's Retirement Management, Pension Investment and 401K committees. Mr. Stoll holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the College of Wooster. He and his wife, Beth, enjoy spending time with their two sons, Tim and Chris, and their families.

"Our customers have told us that health and wellness, along with rising health care costs, are among their top concerns. The Little Clinic locations inside Kroger's family of stores make accessing quality health care services easy and affordable for our customers and associates. I look forward to joining The Little Clinic team as we work together to help our customers and associates with their health care needs," Mr. Stoll said.

The relationship between Kroger and The Little Clinic began in 2003 when Kroger opened its first Little Clinic in a Kroger store in Louisville, Kentucky.  Kroger acquired The Little Clinic in February 2010.

Theresa Monti has been promoted to Vice President of Corporate Benefits, succeeding Mr. Stoll.  Prior to her promotion, Ms. Monti served as Director of Corporate Health & Welfare Benefit Programs for Kroger. In her new role, Ms. Monti will lead the development, implementation and administration of policies and strategies for the Company-sponsored health, welfare and retirement benefit plans. Prior to joining Kroger in 1999, Ms. Monti held national account management positions with both Kaiser Permanente and Prudential Health Care.  Ms. Monti earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University.

"Theresa is an experienced leader who understands the value of working collaboratively with our partners to achieve the best outcome," said Kathleen Barclay, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Kroger.  "Kroger spends more than $1 billion a year on health care. Under Theresa's leadership, we will continue to focus on providing high-quality, affordable health care for our associates and their families."

About The Little Clinic

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., The Little Clinic is a pioneer in customer-focused health care with a mission to provide convenient, affordable health care and wellness education. The Little Clinic health care centers are located inside select Kroger stores including Fry's in Arizona, King Soopers in Colorado, and Kroger stores in Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. The Little Clinic earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval™ in March 2009. For more information visit www.thelittleclinic.com.

About Kroger

Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 334,000 associates who serve customers in 2,468 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The Company also operates 777 convenience stores, 374 fine jewelry stores, 893 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Kroger is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.