Kroger Names Steve McKinney President of Fry's Food Stores

CINCINNATI, Sept. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today the promotion of Steve McKinney as president of the Fry's Food Stores division. Fry's operates 119 food stores in Arizona.

Mr. McKinney, 57, has been vice president of operations at the company's Ralphs division since 2007. He succeeds Jon Flora, who passed away unexpectedly two weeks ago.

"In his 31 years with the company, Steve has demonstrated a deep knowledge of our industry, excellence in operations, and a passion for serving our customers and our associates," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's president and chief operating officer. "Steve has the expertise and energy to lead Fry's in the years ahead. I know that he and our outstanding associates will continue to honor and sustain Fry's great legacy of associate engagement, service to our customers, and communities."

Mr. McKinney began his Kroger career in 1981 as a clerk with Florida Choice Supermarkets, a former Kroger banner, before advancing to roles as a store manager, buyer and field representative. In 1988, he joined Fry's Food Stores in Phoenix, where he served in various leadership positions, including store manager, deli director, and executive director of operations. In 1998, Mr. McKinney was named vice president of operations at Fry's. In 2006, he was named vice president of operations for Kroger's Southwest division before moving to his current role at Ralphs in 2007. 

Fry's Food Stores employs nearly 18,000 Arizona residents and operates 119 food stores and pharmacies, and 70 fuel centers, in Arizona.

Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs 343,000 associates who serve customers in 2,418 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 783 convenience stores, 326 fine jewelry stores, 1,195 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 80 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber's Million Dollar Club.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.