Executives' new roles take effect on September 1

CINCINNATI — Valerie Jabbar was named Tuesday as group vice president of merchandising for Kroger Co.

Jabbar, who for the past two years has been president of Kroger’s Ralphs division, assumes her new role on September 1.

Mike Murphy, vice president of operations at Kroger’s Columbus division, will succeed Jabbar at Ralphs, which is headquartered in Compton, Calif., and operates 191 stores in Southern California.

“Valerie brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight to this role,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As we continue the work of Restock Kroger, her ability to lead and deliver for our associates and customers will continue to transform our business.”

Restock Kroger is an initiative that aims to remake the food shopping experience for store customers through digital technology and other enhancements, while at the same time delivering value to shareholders.

Jabbar joined Kroger in 1987 as a clerk in the Fry’s division. She has held leadership roles including assistant store director, category manager, drug/general merchandise coordinator, corporate seasonal manager and director of drug/general merchandise.

In 2012, she moved to the Mid-Atlantic division to serve as vice president of merchandising before joining the Ralphs division in 2013 as vice president of merchandising.

At Ralphs, Jabbar mentors emerging leaders through the women’s associate resource group. In addition, she is president of the Food Industries Circle and serves on the board of the Western Association of Food Chains. She is currently the food industry executive in residence at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

Murphy joined Kroger in 1999 as an accountant in the auditing department. He moved to finance in 2001. In 2011, Murphy moved to the Louisville division as a grocery merchandiser and was promoted to district manager in 2014. He was promoted to vice president of merchandising in the Columbus division in 2016, and then to his current role in 2017.

“Mike is a dynamic leader who brings great passion to our business,” Donnelly said. “His strong commitment to our purpose and promise, and extensive grocery retail experience, make him a great asset to our Ralphs division.”