The Kroger Co. has named Geoffrey Covert senior vice president of retail operations, effective Jan. 1, 2011.
Covert, 59, joined Kroger in 1996. He has served as president of the company’s Cincinnati/Dayton Division for the past six years. Previously, he served as senior vice president and president of Kroger Manufacturing.
Before joining Kroger, Covert worked for 22 years in a number of management positions at Procter & Gamble.
“Geoff brings tremendous leadership and background to this important position in our company,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger president and chief operating officer.
“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.
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. The company also operates 784 convenience stores, 375 fine jewelry stores, 954 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S.