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CINCINNATI—The Kroger Co. said Friday that Mary Ellen Adcock, currently Kroger’s senior vice president of operations, will become chief merchandising and marketing officer effective January 1. She will succeed Stuart Aitken, who will step down from his role as senior vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer at the end of the year to pursue other professional opportunities.
Adcock, a 25-year veteran of Kroger, brings extensive leadership experience to her new role. Since 2019, she has overseen strategic operations for more than 2,700 stores across 35 states, supporting over 416,000 associates and serving 11 million customers daily. During her tenure, Adcock delivered more than $1 billion in annual operational savings for six consecutive years, enabling Kroger to lower prices for customers and increase wages for employees. She also spearheaded initiatives to improve customer and associate experiences, including the Full, Fresh & Friendly: Every Customer Every Time program.
"Mary Ellen is a respected leader both within Kroger and our industry," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Her deep strategic experience in her past 25 years with Kroger in roles of increasing responsibility will continue to drive value for customers and growth for our business and associates."
Adcock has also been instrumental in advancing Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, achieving 100% participation in the company’s surplus food rescue program and reinforcing Kroger’s commitment to ending hunger and eliminating waste in the communities it serves.
Aitken, who has been with Kroger since 2015, played a pivotal role in the integration of dunnhumby and the establishment of 84.51º, Kroger’s data analytics subsidiary. McMullen expressed gratitude for Aitken’s contributions, noting his impact on evolving Kroger’s brand and introducing innovative products. "We wish Stuart and his family all the best as they embark on a new chapter," McMullen said.
Aitken has been named President and CEO of Circana, effective January 1, 2025. He will succeed Kirk Perry, who has decided to retire from his role as President and CEO and will continue to serve as a member of the Circana Board of Directors. Aitken will also join the Board as a director.
As part of this transition, senior vice presidents of retail operations Valarie Jabbar and Kenny Kimball, along with group vice president of retail operations Paula Kash, will continue in their leadership roles and now report directly to McMullen.
Adcock’s promotion underscores Kroger’s commitment to leveraging experienced leadership to enhance its customer experience and operational efficiency as the company continues to grow. She will officially step into her new role on January 1, 2025.
