Geoffrey Covert has been appointed as the senior vice president of retail operations at Kroger Co.

He will succeed Kroger veteran Paul Scutt, who is set to retire early next year after a 45-year career at the supermarket giant.

In his new post, Covert will be responsible for leading Kroger's programs and processes focused on operating efficiency, store productivity, and associate and customer safety.

CINCINNATI — Geoffrey Covert has been appointed senior vice president of retail operations at Kroger Co.

Geoffrey Covert has been appointed senior vice president of retail operations at Kroger Co.

Kroger said Friday that Covert, who has served as president of the company’s Cincinnati/Dayton division for the past six years, will take over the position on Jan.1.

He will succeed Kroger veteran Paul Scutt, who is set to retire in February after a 45-year career at the company.

The 59-year-old Covert joined Kroger in 1996. Before becoming president of the Cincinnati/Dayton division, he served as senior vice president and president of Kroger Manufacturing.

Prior to joining Kroger, Covert worked for 22 years in a number of management positions at Procter & Gamble Co.

"Geoff brings tremendous leadership and background to this important position in our Company," Rodney McMullen, Kroger president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. "Geoff’s broad range of experiences will enable him to continue to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations and enhance the customer experience at our stores."

In his new post, Covert will be responsible for leading Kroger’s programs and processes focused on operating efficiency, store productivity, and associate and customer safety.

Kroger has 2,461 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen banners, including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The company also operates 784 convenience stores, 375 fine jewelry stores, 954 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the United States.