CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced Dennis Gibson has been promoted to president of the company's King Soopers division, effective July 1. Mr. Gibson replaces Russ Dispense, who recently announced his retirement after 51 years of service.
Mr. Gibson has been serving as president of the company's QFC division based in Seattle since 2014.
"Dennis is a proven executive whose passion for people and results has earned respect in our company and the industry," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Dennis's commitment to our associates and customers will help ensure our business continues to grow. We look forward to his continued leadership at King Soopers."
Mr. Gibson brings 40 years of retail industry experience to his new role. He began his career in 1976 with Grand Central discount department stores in Salt Lake City, Utah. He joined Fred Meyer in 1984, where he held leadership roles of increasing responsibility for the next 27 years including store and district management, regional director and group vice president for store operations. In 2011, Mr. Gibson was named vice president of operations in Kroger's Columbus division, and in 2013 he was named to vice president of merchandising. He was promoted to his current role in 2014.
Mr. Gibson will relocate to the Denver area. King Soopers is based in Denver and operates its namesake stores as well as City Market stores in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 431,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,778 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to 2,231 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,387 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.
Source: The Kroger Co.
