Supermarket Leader

The Kroger Co. (Cincinnati) has promoted Mark Prestidge to president of the company’s Delta division, which is based in Memphis, Tenn., and includes 111 Kroger stores in Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. Prestidge succeeds Richard Tillman who recently announced his retirement after a 42-year career with Kroger.

Prestidge has held several leadership positions in the supermarket industry, including his most recent role as vp, operations, for Kroger's Southwest division. Prior to joining Kroger in 2004, he spent 22 years with Randall's Food Markets as senior vp of operations where he oversaw daily operations for 122 supermarkets. He was also president of the company's Tom Thumb division.

“Mark brings more than 32 years of retail and division management experience to his new position,” said Don McGeorge, Kroger president and coo. “His leadership in day-to-day operations both at Kroger and with other retailers will benefit our associates and customers in the Delta division.”

Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains, operating 2477 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's and Smith's Marketplace, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. The company also operates (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 773 convenience stores, 418 fine jewelry stores, 608 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants.