Kroger taps Ralphs head for SVP merchandising role

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that it has named Michael Donnelly as SVP merchandising. Donnelly has been president of the company's Ralphs division, based in Los Angeles, since August 2007.

In his new position, Donnelly will lead all merchandising and procurement for Kroger.

Donnelly began his career in the grocery business with Fry's of California in 1978. In 1989, he moved to Arizona as a district manager for Fry's and later became VP merchandising. Donnelly led the Fry's division as president from 2000 until 2002 when he was appointed group VP drug and GM at Kroger's general office in Cincinnati. He returned to Fry's in 2003 and remained there as president of the Arizona-based division until he was appointed president of Ralphs in 2007.

"We are very pleased to have Mike join our team as our senior vice president of merchandising. He is well-respected within our company and the industry for his merchandising excellence," Kroger president and COO Rodney McMullen said. "Mike's extensive industry experience will help Kroger continue to build and strengthen our partnerships with suppliers and vendors that are so important to Kroger's success."