CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. has promoted Mark Tuffin to senior vice president of retail divisions. He succeeds Michael Ellis, who was elevated to the position of president and chief operating officer on January 1.

Kroger Co. has promoted Mark Tuffin to senior vice president of retail divisions. He succeeds Michael Ellis, who was elevated to the position of president and chief operating officer on January 1.

Tuffin, 53, had been president of the Smith’s Food and Drug Stores division since 2011. A 32-year veteran of the grocery industry, Tuffin held a variety of positions with other supermarket chains before joining Smith’s Food and Drug in 1995. While at Smith’s, he held several key leadership positions, including vice president of merchandising.

In 2009 Tuffin moved to Kroger headquarters with the title of vice president of transition. In that role he led the company’s efforts to carry out significant organizational changes affecting all areas of Kroger’s business.

In his new role Tuffin leads five retail supermarket divisions and Kroger’s jewelry and convenience store businesses.

"Mark is an exceptional leader with extensive knowledge of the grocery industry," Ellis said in a statement. "He has made significant contributions to our company and industry, while always championing our Customer First strategy. We look forward to Mark’s leadership in this senior role as we continue to accelerate Kroger’s growth."

Ellis’ promotion was part of the leadership succession put into motion by the retirement of David Dillon as chief executive officer on January 1. Dillon was succeeded by W. Rodney McMullen, who had been president and chief operating officer.