Dive Brief:
- Kroger announced Tuesday that George Vincent will join the company as its secretary and general counsel, effective Aug. 4.
- Vincent will take over the role from Christine Wheatley, who is retiring after 17 years with the grocer.
- Vincent’s hiring marks the latest top leadership change at the grocery company following its failed attempt to merge with Albertsons and the departure of Rodney McMullen from the CEO position.
Dive Insight:
Cincinnati-based Kroger is bringing on an attorney from a well-known law firm in the grocer’s backyard.
Vincent, who is a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl in Cincinnati, has overseen significant expansion and led many of the law firm's strategic efforts, the announcement noted. As board chair, he oversaw more than 750 lawyers who are licensed across 35 states and Washington, D.C. He also served as the firm’s managing partner from 2007 to 2022.
Vincent "is a widely respected attorney and a trusted advisor to a wide range of companies and boards of directors," Ron Sargent, chairman and interim CEO of Kroger, said in the announcement. "He has decades of experience helping businesses grow and managing complex regulatory environments."
Wheatley, who is retiring on Sept. 1, joined Kroger in 2008 and has served as general counsel and secretary since 2014.
Along with McMullen’s sudden exit following an ethics investigation, Kroger has seen a string of top executive changes so far this year, including a new CFO, senior vice president of retail divisions and division presidents for Smith’s, King Soopers and Food 4 Less.
Earlier this month, Kroger also announced it is consolidating its Dallas and Houston operations with Rudy DiPietro, Dallas division president, at the helm. In March, Kroger promoted Yael Cosset to head up its newly formed business unit centered on its online operations.
Former Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Stuart Aitken departed Kroger last year to become president and CEO of Circana, while Cara Pratt, who served as senior vice president of media, insights and loyalty, left earlier this year to become the president of global retail and media at the data firm.
