Clark to Lead Kroger’s Non-perishables

The Kroger Co. has promoted Robert Clark to group vice president of non-perishables.

Clark, 47, has been VP of merchandising at Fred Meyer since 2011. “Robert brings impactful leadership and extensive merchandising experience to our team,” said Michael J. Donnelly, Kroger’s senior VP of merchandising. “His valuable knowledge of our customers across the country will further strengthen our strategic direction.”

Clark began his career with Kroger in 1985 as a courtesy clerk at Fry’s Food Stores in Arizona. Since then, he has held various leadership positions, including store and district management as well as in grocery merchandising. In 2002, Clark was promoted to VP of merchandising at Fry’s. In 2010, he was named VP of operations for the Columbus Division before moving into his current position in October 2011.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,422 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.