Kroger Co. Appoints George Vincent as New Secretary and General Counsel

In a significant move for The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), the company announced today that George Vincent will be joining as its new secretary and general counsel, effective August 4, 2025. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for Kroger as it continues to navigate the complexities of the retail and grocery sector.

George Vincent brings an impressive track record to his new role, having previously served as a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, where he was also the managing partner from 2007 to 2022. Under his leadership, Dinsmore expanded significantly, and Vincent played an instrumental role in the firm's strategic initiatives. He chaired the firm's first Board of Directors, overseeing a team of more than 750 lawyers across 35 states and the District of Columbia, providing legal support to clients facing intricate legal challenges.

Dinsmore & Shohl is recognized as a full-service national law firm, boasting an extensive range of over 90 legal practices, including corporate regulations, financial law, and intellectual property. The firm is highly regarded in the legal community, being featured in the AmLaw 200 list and praised by the BTI Consulting Group survey.

Ron Sargent, Chairman and CEO of Kroger, expressed enthusiasm about Vincent's appointment. "George is a widely respected attorney and a trusted advisor to a wide range of companies and boards of directors. He has decades of experience helping businesses grow and managing complex regulatory environments. We look forward to welcoming George to the Kroger family," Sargent stated.

Vincent is not only known for his legal expertise but also for his extensive involvement in the civic and business sectors. He has served as board chair for numerous organizations, including the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and The Christ Hospital. Additionally, he has been recognized multiple times as one of the *"Best Lawyers"* and has been included in *"America's Leading Lawyers for Business"* for nearly two decades.

As Kroger welcomes Vincent, the company also prepares to bid farewell to its current executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary, Christine Wheatley, who has announced her retirement effective September 1, 2025. Wheatley joined Kroger in 2008 and has played a vital role in the company's legal and compliance functions since becoming general counsel in 2014.

"We want to thank Christine for her many years of dedicated service," Sargent remarked. "Christine has been a passionate advocate for our associates and provided outstanding guidance for our leadership team throughout the years. We wish Christine and her husband Bryan and their family well on this next chapter."

With George Vincent stepping into his new role as secretary and general counsel, Kroger aims to enhance its legal strategies and continue its commitment to serving over 11 million customers daily. The company emphasizes its dedication to its Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit™, and strives to create #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities.

As the grocery giant embarks on this new chapter with fresh leadership, stakeholders and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how Vincent's extensive experience will shape Kroger's future operations and legal strategies.

For more information about Kroger and its initiatives, visit their newsroom and investor relations site.