Grieshaber named Dillons president

CINCINNATI A seasoned Kroger executive has been named the leader of Dillon Food Stores.

Joe Grieshaber, who most recently served at the supermarket conglomerate's group VP perishables merchandising and procurement, will replace Dillons president John Bays, who is retiring after 42 years with Kroger.

"Joe's merchandising and management experience will serve our associates and customers well. We look forward to Joe's leadership at Dillons as we continue to focus on improving our customers' overall shopping experience," said Rodney McMullen, president and COO at Kroger.

Grieshaber, 52, began his career with Kroger in 1983 as a store manager trainee in Nashville. During his career, he has held a variety of leadership roles, including meat merchandiser, zone manager and VP merchandising. In his role as group VP perishables merchandising and procurement -- a position he has held since 2003 -- he has been responsible for fresh and natural foods throughout Kroger's family of stores.

Dillon Food Stores, headquartered in Hutchinson, Kan., operates 91 stores in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and employs more than 11,500 associates.