CRESTVIEW, Fla. -- Mark W. Salisbury, president of Tom Thumb Food Stores, has announced that Kevin Hess will be joining the Tom Thumb team as vice president of operations. Hess succeeds Dave Daigle, senior vice president, who will be assuming the responsibilities of real estate, petroleum, construction and maintenance within the Tom Thumb organization.
For the past five years, Hess has held the position of corporate controller for the Kroger Convenience Store Group, Turkey Hill Dairy and Supermarket Petroleum Gas (SPG). Additional experience within The Kroger Co. includes [image-nocss] previously serving as director of Dillon real estate as well as the manager of fixed assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable and general accounting for KASH.
Before joining The Kroger Co. in 2003, Hess worked in the audit and tax departments for Pierce, Faris & Co., Hutchinson, Kansas.
"He brings leadership, innovation and creativity to this position. His vast knowledge and experience will enable him to make significant contributions to Tom Thumb", Salisbury said. "He is a strong team player, and I look forward to working with him in his new role including serving as a member of our executive committee".
Hess and his family will be relocating to Crestview, Fla., where Tom Thumb Food Stores is headquartered.
Also, Van Tarver, vice president of convenience stores, Turkey Hill Dairy and supermarket petroleum for Kroger, has announced the promotion of Mike Gerwert to controller of convenience stores, Turkey Hill Dairy and supermarket petroleum for Kroger.
Gerwert has been with Kwik Shop since 1998, holding the positions of assistant controller, controller, director of finance and most recently vice president of finance.
"Mike's experience in accounting for Kwik Shop, Inc. the past 13 years will provide valuable background in his new assignment as controller," said Van Tarver.
Cincinnati-based Kroger is the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, with 2,470 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 also operates 909 supermarket fuel centers and 785 convenience stores in the United States.
The c-stores are in 18 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 Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio; Tom Thumb Food Stores in Florida and Alabama; Hutchinson, Kansas-based Kwik Shop in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska; Fremont, Calif.-based Quik Stop Markets in California and Nevada; and Salt Lake City-based Smith's Express in Utah.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.