Kroger Taps Aldi Vet to Head Ruler Foods

The Kroger Co. has named Aldi veteran Liz Ferneding president of its Ruler Foods division, effective July 31.  

Ferneding, who replaces the recently retired Paul Bowen, previously served in a variety of leadership roles for the past 11 years at the hard-discount grocer, including an international assignment in Australia. Upon her return to the United States, she was promoted to marketing director, and then director of corporate buying earlier this year.

Kroger's Seymour, Ind.-based Ruler division comprises 48 stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. Ruler stores, which average 19,000 square feet, offer low prices and an expansive selection of private label foods. Ruler will open two new stores later this year.

"Liz's extensive grocery retail experience in procurement, marketing, advertising, management and operations will be an asset to our Ruler associates, customers and community," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "We have a lot of respect for the Ruler format and the customer it serves. Liz's talent and insights will help us sharpen our value-centric, small-format store."

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,792 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and Washington, D.C., and employs approximately 443,000 associates.