Kroger sent out news regarding a new position opening for its Group Vice President of Perishables:
Kroger Names Joe Grieshaber President of Dillon Food Stores
The Kroger Co. today announced Joe Grieshaber has been named President of Kroger’s Dillon Food Stores Division, replacing 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 Chief Operating Officer of Kroger.
Mr. 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 vice president of merchandising. Most recently, Mr. Grieshaber has served as Group Vice President of Perishables Merchandising and Procurement for Kroger, a position he has held since 2003. In that role, he has been responsible for fresh and natural foods throughout Kroger’s family of stores. Mr. Grieshaber has actively supported community organizations during his career, including the Special Olympics. He and his wife Vickie have three grown daughters.
Mr. Grieshaber joined Mr. McMullen and the Kroger team in wishing Mr. Bays and his family all the best as he retires. “We are very grateful to John for his tremendous contributions to our company during his career with Kroger. Under John’s leadership, Dillons continued to grow and sharpen its focus on serving customers.”
We, of course, wish Mr. Grieshaber good fortune in his new position and look forward to working with him in that capacity.
Many in the produce industry, of course, will note that Mr. Grieshaber came up through meat, and we are bound to ask if this time won’t be the turn for someone who rose up through the produce side of the perishable business? We can think of at least one internal candidate who is well qualified for the job.
