Kroger has announced that Valerie Jabbar, currently group vp/center store merchandising, will become svp/retail divisions on the retirement of Steve McKinney on August 7.
Jabbar (pictured below) held several leadership roles at Kroger’s Fry’s division before moving to its mid-Atlantic division in 2012 to serve as vp/merchandising. In 2013, she became vp/merchandising for the Ralphs division, earning a promotion to president of that operation in July 2016. Kroger named Jabbar group vp/merchandising in 2018 then group vp/center store merchandising in 2019.
“Valerie is a dedicated leader who provides strong results through her passion for people, both associates and customers,” Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger’s svp/operations, said in announcing the executive developments. “Her proven success of building highly motivated teams and executing with excellence will foster an energy and commitment to continue delivering a full, fresh and friendly experience for every customer in the divisions she will lead. Valerie’s 34 years of experience with the company bring a deep understanding of the business and will provide yet another valuable perspective among our senior leadership team.”
