CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. has made two executive appointments recently.
Michael Donnelly has been named senior vice president of merchandising, while Reuben Shaffer has been appointed chief diversity officer.

Kroger Co. has made two executive appointments recently.

Michael Donnelly has been named senior vice president of merchandising, while Reuben Shaffer has been appointed chief diversity officer.

In his new position Donnelly is responsible for all merchandising and procurement for Kroger. He had been president of the company’s Ralphs Grocery Co. division since 2007, and before that he had held a number of leadership positions in Kroger chains, starting out with Fry’s in 1978. He was president of the Fry’s division from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2003 to 2007.

"Mike’s extensive industry experience will help Kroger continue to build and strengthen our partnerships with suppliers and vendors that are so important to our success," says president and chief operating officer Rodney McMullen. "He is well respected within our company and the industry for his merchandising ­excellence."

Shaffer, who reports to Kroger chairman and chief executive officer David Dillon, had been vice president of retail operations for Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton division. He began his career in 1988 and has held various leadership positions in the company.