Long Island supermarket chain King Kullen has named a new senior executive to oversee store operations and elevated a pair of employees who handle merchandising to broader roles, the retailer announced on Friday.
Frank Vassallo moved up to the position of senior vice president of store operations for the family owned grocer to oversee departments including perishables, pharmacy and security as well as store reset personnel.
Formerly vice president of store operations, Vassallo, whom King Kullen praised for his “commitment to operational excellence,” will report to Senior Vice President of Company Operations Tracey A. Cullen. Vassallo has worked for King Kullen for 36 years, the company said.
In addition, King Kullen said it promoted Chris La Bella to senior director of merchandising and project management. In his expanded role, La Bella will be involved in the production of the grocer’s weekly circular and gauge the effectiveness of its promotional activities in addition to working on pricing, value strategy, assortment planning and vendor management.
La Bella, who has worked for King Kullen for 13 years and formerly served as director of center store merchandising and procurement, will also report to Cullen.
King Kullen also announced the promotion of Andrew Wasserman to director of center store merchandising and procurement. Wasserman, who was previously a buyer and joined the chain in 2025, will manage functions such as procurement, promotional execution and inventory coordination in addition to overseeing the retailer’s grocery buyers.
“Frank, Chris, and Andrew each bring tremendous experience, dedication, and leadership to their roles,” Cullen said in a statement. “These promotions reflect the important contributions they have made to our company and our confidence in their ability to continue excelling in their expanded responsibilities.”
King Kullen runs about two dozen supermarkets under its namesake banner as well as four Wild by Nature natural food stores.
