Kroger Names Chief Diversity Officer

Reuben Shaffer has been appointed chief diversity officer at the Kroger Co. and will report directly to CEO David B. Dillon.

Shaffer, 60, had been serving as VP of retail operations for the grocer’s Cincinnati/Dayton division. He began his career with Kroger in 1988 and has held various leadership positions in the organization.

“Diversity is a core value at Kroger,” Dillon said. “We take our commitment to diversity seriously, both because it is right and because it makes us better at our business. When our decision-making is inclusive and reflects the diversity of our customers, we make better decisions. We look forward to Reuben applying his broad experience and deep understanding of Kroger values in this important area.”

Shaffer will oversee Kroger’s comprehensive diversity initiatives, including supplier diversity and integrating the company's ongoing commitment to create an inclusive culture into key business and organization initiatives.

Kroger has been a leader in the use of minority- and women-owned business enterprises in all aspects of its business for more than 30 years. Kroger currently spends more than $1 billion with nearly 1,000 minority and women-owned companies.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,458 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.