Kroger Names Covert Retail Ops VP

Geoffrey J. Covert has been named senior vice president of retail operations at the Kroger Co., effective Jan. 1.

Covert, 59, joined Kroger in 1996. President of the company’s Cincinnati/Dayton Division for the past six years, he previously served as senior VP and president of Kroger Manufacturing. Before joining Kroger, Covert worked for 22 years in a number of management positions at Kroger’s Cincinnati neighbor, Procter & Gamble.

“Geoff brings tremendous leadership and background to this important position in our company," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger president and COO. “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.”

Covert will be responsible for leading the company’s programs and processes focused on operating efficiency, store productivity, and associate and customer safety.

A native of Cleveland, Covert received a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1973.

Kroger operates 2,461 supermarkets and multi-department 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.