CINCINNATI -- The Kroger Co. has promoted Jeff Burt as president of the company's Central division. Burt, 50, has been group vice president of perishables merchandising and procurement since 2010. He succeeds Bob Moeder, who recently announced his plans to retire this spring. Moeder rose in Kroger's ranks through its convenience stores.
"In his 27-year career with Kroger, Jeff has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of our business," said Rodney McMullen, president and chief operating officer of Kroger. "His enthusiasm, keen sense of the customer, and experience in merchandising and operations will be tremendous assets to the Central Division team."
Burt began his career with Kroger in 1986 as a management trainee. He has held a variety of leadership positions with the company in Cincinnati, Florida, Indianapolis and Seattle, including store manager, produce merchandiser and vice president of merchandising and operations. In 2004, he was named corporate vice president of deli/bakery merchandising and procurement, before being promoted to his most recent role in 2010.
Moeder began his career with Dillon Cos. Inc. in 1971 working part-time for its Calhoun's clothing division. He was named president of Calhoun's in 1984. In 1985, he joined Kwik Shop Inc., a c-store division of Dillon, as assistant director of operations. He became executive vice president of Kwik Shop in 1991, and he was promoted to vice president of convenience stores and Turkey Hill Dairy in 1995. In 1999, he was named corporate vice president of convenience stores, supermarket petroleum group and Turkey Hill Dairy. In 2006, he was promoted to serve in his current role as president of Central Division.
During his tenure at Kroger Central Division, Moeder oversaw a strategic restructuring of the division, including a significant number of new store openings, expansions, remodels and store closings, leading to almost $1 billion in store investments and nearly 2,000 new jobs. Under his leadership, Central Division acquired Scott's Food & Pharmacy in Fort Wayne and pursued a more than $105 million capital investment project across the Fort Wayne region.
"During his 42-year career, Bob has consistently demonstrated his passion for and commitment to our associates, our customers and our local communities," said McMullen. "His improvement of our convenience store division and support on launching supermarket fuel has contributed to Kroger's connection with customers and increased value for shareholders."
The Kroger Central Division has 136 food stores, 114 pharmacies and 75 fuel centers operating under four banners; Kroger, Scott's, Owen's and Pay Less, with locations primarily in Indiana and Illinois, in addition to three stores in Missouri, one in Michigan and one in Ohio.
Cincinnati-based Kroger has 2,422 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 790 c-stores, 1,141 supermarket fuel centers, 344 jewelry stores and 37 food processing plants in the United States.
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