The Kroger Co has announced several changes to its executive lineup, announcing the retirement of Nashville Division President Rick Going, the promotion of Zane Day to succeed him, and Katie Wolfram’s promotion to President of Kroger’s Central Division.
Going, who has served with Kroger for 35 years, will retire from the company effective February 27. Beginning in 1981 as a management trainee in the Cincinnati/Dayton Division, Going rose through the ranks to serve in many leadership roles from Vice President of Operations for the Cincinnati/Dayton Division in 1999, and then Vice President of Merchandising in the same Division in 2002. In 2007, Going was promoted to President of the new Michigan Division, according to a press release, but most recently, Going took his role as Nashville’s Division President in 2013 when the former Mid-South Division split to form the Nashville and Louisville Divisions.
“Throughout his notable career, Rick led by empowering his team while always expecting excellence," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's Chairman and CEO in a statement. "Rick's leadership in starting two new store operating Divisions has built the model for our company. The entire Kroger family wishes Rick and his family all the best in retirement.”
In his place, Kroger has promoted Zane Day as President of the Nashville Division.
"Day is a strong leader who is focused on enabling our associates and serving our customers and communities," continued McMullen. "His broad experience in our company and industry will benefit our Nashville team."
Day has served in various leadership roles for Kroger, including Store Manager and Director of Merchandising, and was eventually named Director of Procurement at Fred Meyer's Tolleson Distribution Center 1998. In 2000, he was promoted to Director of Deli for the Fry's Division, before moving to a similar role in the Smith's Division in 2003. At Smith's, Day was promoted to District Manager and Vice President of Merchandising before being named to his current role, Vice President of Operations, in 2015.
Lastly, Kroger has promoted Wolfram to President of the company's Central Division, which is based in Indianapolis and operates stores in Indiana, Illinois, and Eastern Missouri.
"Katie's breadth of experience and deep understanding of our company will serve our Central Division team well," said McMullen. "Katie's passion for both people and results make her the right leader as we continue to grow in our Central Division."
Wolfram has served as Manager of Merchandising Systems Development and Manager of Consumer Research at Kroger's general office, as well as serving in several leadership positions in Kroger Manufacturing, including Senior Marketing Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing. In 2003, she was promoted to Vice President of Sales & Operations for Kroger Manufacturing, and in 2005, she joined the King Soopers Division as Vice President of Merchandising. Most recently, she was named Vice President of Merchandising in the Central Division, in 2014.
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