Kroger Co. Announces Strategic Leadership Changes to Enhance Operations

On July 29, 2025, The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) unveiled a series of significant leadership changes aimed at strengthening its operational capabilities and enhancing customer experience. These appointments come as the company continues to adapt to the competitive landscape of the retail grocery industry, focusing on efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Kroger has appointed Ed Oldham as the new Head of Sourcing, effective August 4. Oldham joins Kroger from PetSmart, where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. During his tenure at PetSmart, he was responsible for the company's distribution and transportation strategies across North America, overseeing a substantial international distribution network and a workforce of approximately 2,500 associates.

With over 25 years of experience in retail, consumer packaged goods (CPGs), and consulting, Oldham brings a wealth of expertise in planning, buying, replenishment, operations, and sourcing decisions across multi-billion-dollar categories. His previous roles at Petco, Walmart, Ernst & Young, and Walgreens have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the retail sector.

Ron Sargent, Chairman and CEO of Kroger, expressed confidence in Oldham's capabilities, stating, "Ed brings a wealth of knowledge from his time working at and supporting a variety of different retailers. Sourcing plays a critical role in making sure we can provide lower prices to our customers every day."

In another strategic move, Kroger has promoted Ann Reed, the current president of the Cincinnati-Dayton division, to the position of group vice president of *Our Brands*, also effective August 4. Reed's journey with Kroger began in 1993 as a co-manager in the Central Division, and she has since held various leadership roles, including store manager and vice president of Merchandising at Fry's and Fred Meyer.

Sargent highlighted Reed's extensive experience within the organization, stating, "She understands what our customers want to buy. Ann is bringing a great perspective on the ways we can better take advantage of the significant growth opportunities *Our Brands* represents for Kroger."

Kroger also announced the appointment of Jake Cannon as the new president of the Cincinnati-Dayton division, effective August 1. Cannon currently serves as the president of the Louisville division and has over two decades of retail experience, having begun his career at Kroger as a Produce clerk in 1999.

Sargent praised Cannon's deep understanding of the Cincinnati-Dayton market, stating, "He knows how to run successful stores that our customers love, support his associates, and invest in our communities."

To fill the vacancy left by Cannon, Kroger has named Josh Harpole, currently vice president of Deli, Bakery, and Prepared Foods, as the new Louisville division president. Harpole's career at Kroger began in 1994 as a courtesy clerk in the King Soopers division, and he has held various leadership roles, demonstrating a strong track record in the company.

"Josh knows how to lead great teams," said Sargent. "He has deep experience across our company as well as spending time leading our strategy in categories we know are important to our customers."

These leadership changes come at a pivotal time for Kroger, signaling the company's commitment to strengthening its operational framework and enhancing the customer experience in a rapidly evolving retail environment. With seasoned professionals like Oldham, Reed, Cannon, and Harpole stepping into these critical roles, Kroger is poised for continued growth and innovation in the grocery sector.

The Kroger Co. operates across a family of companies with over 400,000 associates serving more than 11 million customers daily through eCommerce and retail food stores. The company is dedicated to its mission of feeding the human spirit and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. For more information, visit Kroger's newsroom and investor relations site.