Kroger’s Paul Bowen to Retire in June

Paul Bowen will retire next month as president of The Kroger Co.’s Jay C and Ruler division after 46 years of service.

Set to step down June 21, Bowen began his career with Jay C in 1971 as a produce department manager. His successor will be named at a later date.

"For more than four decades, Paul's leadership, vision and passion has helped Jay C and Ruler create customer-first shopping environments that have shaped the way we do business across our business," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "I salute Paul for his years of service to our associates and customers as both a leader and veteran. The entire Kroger family wishes Paul and his family all the best in retirement."

After serving in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1976. Bowen returned to Jay C in 1976 and advanced to hold a number of leadership positions.  In 1988, Bowen was promoted to director of training and development for the division. He was instrumental in leading Jay C's merger with Kroger in 1999, spending two years as the transition project leader.

In 2001, Bowen was named VP of operations before being promoted to SVP in 2002. He has held his current role since 2003, in which he oversees 71 Jay C and Ruler stores operating in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia.