Cincinnati — Russ Dispense, president of The Kroger Co.’s King Soopers division, plans to retire on July 1, 2016, after 51 years with the company. His successor will be announced at a later date.
“Under Russ’s leadership, King Soopers has grown significantly while remaining Colorado’s favorite grocery store in a highly-competitive market,” says Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Russ will end his incredible career as our longest-serving King Soopers president. We are grateful for his many years of exceptional service and leadership.”
A Colorado native, Dispense began his career in the supermarket industry in 1965, when he joined King Soopers as a courtesy clerk. He served in various leadership positions in stores and district management through the years, as well as at warehouses, manufacturing plants and administrative offices. Dispense was promoted to vice president of retail operations and merchandising for the King Soopers division in 1983. He also served as vice president of real estate. In 1999, he was promoted to president of Smith’s Food and Drug Stores in Salt Lake City. Dispense was named to his current role as president of King Soopers/City Market division in 2001.
The Kroger Family of Companies has 2,231 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,387 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States.
SOURCE: The Kroger Co.