Kroger has announced a few big shifts in its leadership this week. The company has named Joe Grieshaber as President of its Fred Meyer stores, and in his place, Dan De La Rosa has been promoted to President of Kroger's Columbus division.
Effective immediately, Grieshaber is filling the role left by Jeff Burt, who resigned to pursue other interests. Fred Meyer is based in Portland, Oregon, and offers one-stop shopping at multi-department stores throughout Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Grieshaber began his career with Kroger in 1983, from a store management trainee in Nashville, Tennessee, to roles including Meat Merchandiser, District Manager, and Vice President of Merchandising for the Columbus division. He was named Group Vice President of Perishables Merchandising and Procurement in 2003, where he was responsible for fresh and natural foods throughout Kroger's family of stores. He was promoted to President of Dillons in 2010, and was named to his current role in 2015, according to a press release.
"Joe is known throughout the retail industry as an exceptional leader who always brings out the best in his people and teams," shared Fred Morganthall, Kroger's Executive Vice President of Retail Operations. "His depth of experience will help the Fred Meyer team build on their successes and continue to innovate and deliver a unique shopping experience for our customers."
De La Rosa who is stepping into the role of President of Kroger's Columbus division, joined the company as a clerk's helper in the Ralphs division in 1980. From there, he served in a number of store operations and merchandising roles, including Store Director, Director of Corporate Brands for Ralphs and Food 4 Less, and District Manager. Since 2007, De La Rosa took on stints as Regional Director of Merchandising for the company's western region, Vice President of Meat and Seafood Merchandising for The Kroger Co., and in 2015, his current role as Vice Merchandising for Fred Meyer.
"Dan is a dynamic leader who combines a passion for people with strong experience in both merchandising and store operations," Morganthall added. "Dan's commitment to associate development and putting the customers first will help ensure the Columbus division's continued success."
Will these changes make for a change up in strategy for Kroger’s Fred Meyer stores and Columbus Division? Keep following Deli Market News as we delve in deeper.
