CINCINNATI -- In the latest in a series of executive appointments and changes involving the supermarket company's network of convenience stores, Jeff Parker--most recently vice president of small format at supermarket and convenience retailer The Kroger Co.--has been promoted to president of convenience stores and small format, effective immediately.
He succeeds the retiring Van Tarver, vice president of Kroger's Convenience Stores Division and the Supermarket Petroleum Group, who will retire from the company in August.
Prior to retirement, Tarver will continue to oversee the Supermarket Petroleum Group.
As reported in a 21st Century Smoke/CSP Daily News Flash, the company said that it will name his replacement at a later date.
Tarver, who joined Kroger as president of Fremont, Calif.-based Quik Stop Markets Inc. in 1997, has more than 36 years of experience managing convenience stores and fuel operations.
"This has been a wonderful experience for me because I have met so many wonderful people and learned so much over the last 16-plus years," Tarver (pictured below) said. "Jeff will be a great leader for the c-stores. I know the company will appoint a dynamic leader for the Supermarket Petroleum Group prior to my retirement."
Parker joined the company in 1998 with Loaf 'N Jug and Mini Mart Inc., based in Pueblo, Colo. He also held positions with Kroger Accounting Services-Hutchinson, Kroger Regional Office and Kwik Shop.
"Having worked with the C-Stores Division for a number of years, this is like a homecoming of sorts for me," Parker said. "We have some outstanding people in our convenience stores. I am excited for the opportunity to work with them again."
In Dec. 2013, Kroger promoted Mark Tuffin to senior vice president of retail divisions--leading five retail supermarket divisions and Kroger's jewelry and c-store businesses--succeeding Michael Ellis, who was elevated to president and COO in Oct. 2013.
In Nov. 2013, Kroger announced that Ken Nuss, vice president of marketing for Kroger C-Stores, will retire on July 31, 2014, and that it will name his replacement at a later date.
In Feb. 2013, Kroger promoted Jeff Burt to head up its Central Division, replacing the retiring Bob Moeder, who rose in Kroger's ranks through its c-stores.
And Kroger itself has also seen leadership change. In Sept. 2013, David B. Dillon announced that he would retire as CEO on Jan. 1, 2014, while continuing to serve as chairman through Dec. 31, 2014. W. Rodney McMullen, Kroger's president and COO, become CEO on Jan. 1.
Cincinnati-based Kroger is the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, with more than 2,400 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two-dozen local banners, including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.
The company currently operates more than 1,200 supermarket fuel centers and approximately 790 convenience stores in 19 states: Pueblo, Colo.-based Loaf 'N Jug in Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming; Lancaster, Pa.-based Turkey Hill Minit Markets in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania; Crestview, Fla.-based Tom Thumb Food Stores in Florida and Alabama; Hutchinson, Kansas-based Kwik Shop in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee and Mississippi; and Fremont, Calif.-based Quik Stop Markets in California and Nevada.
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