Kroger Appoints Senior VP of Retail Divisions

Grocery chain Kroger (Cincinnati, Ohio) has named Valerie Jabbar as its senior VP of retail divisions, reports Supermarket News. She succeeds Steve McKinney, who is retiring after a 40-year career at the retailer.

“Valerie is a dedicated leader who provides strong results through her passion for people, both associates and customers. Her proven success of building highly motivated teams and executing with excellence will foster an energy and commitment to continue delivering a full, fresh and friendly experience for every customer in the divisions she will lead,” said Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger senior VP of operations, in a statement.

Jabbar, who is currently group VP of center store merchandising, will begin in the new role Aug. 7. She joined Kroger in 1987 as a store clerk at Fry’s Food Stores and was promoted to several leadership positions, including a stint as president of Ralphs, culminating in her current role.