Kroger names Kimball president of SLC-based Smith's division

Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. has announced a new president for its Utah-based Smith’s division, promoting 32-year company veteran and former vice president of operations Kenny Kimball.

Effective April 30, Kimball will take the role left by Jay Cummins, who announced his retirement in February.

Starting in 1984 as a courtesy clerk, Kimball began his career at Kroger in the Smith’s division. After working in several leadership roles with Smith’s, including store manager, district manager and bakery director, Kimball was named Smith’s senior vice president of sales and merchandising in 2009. In 2012, he became vice president of merchandising for Kroger’s Ralphs division and was named vice president of operations for Ralphs in 2013.

Kimball was most recently employed in a special assignment with Kroger’s general office in 2015, taking on his current role of vice president of operations at Smith’s in February.

“Kenny’s passion for developing associates and his commitment to putting our customers first will further accelerate growth in our important Smith’s division markets,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger chairman and CEO, in a press release. “Kenny brings to this role leadership experience at all levels of our business and a record of success as both an operator and a merchandiser. We look forward to his leadership as president of Smith’s.”

Based in Salt Lake City, Smith’s operates 138 stores throughout seven western states, employing 18,000 people.