CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. has promoted Dennis Gibson to president of the company’s King Soopers division, effective July 1. He replaces Russ Dispense, who recently announced his retirement after 51 years of service.

Gibson has been serving as president of the company’s QFC division based in Seattle since 2014.

“Dennis is a proven executive whose passion for people and results has earned respect in our company and the industry,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Dennis’s commitment to our associates and customers will help ensure our business continues to grow. We look forward to his continued leadership at King Soopers.”

Gibson brings 40 years of retail industry experience to his new role.  He began his career in 1976 with Grand Central discount department stores in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He joined Fred Meyer in 1984, where he held leadership roles of increasing responsibility for the next 27 years including store and district management, regional director and group vice president for store operations. In 2011, Gibson was named vice president of operations in Kroger’s Columbus division, and in 2013 he was named to vice president of merchandising. He was promoted to his current role in 2014.

King Soopers, based in Denver, operates its namesake stores as well as City Market stores in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.