Kroger’s Bruce Lucia to retire, new leaders in Atlanta and Cincinnati/Dayton Divisions
On July 17, Kroger announced the retirement of Atlanta Division President Bruce Lucia and promoted Tim Brown, their current Cincinnati/Dayton division president, to succeed him, effective Aug. 1. Michigan division President Scott Hays will preside over the Cincinnati/Dayton division.
Lucia announced plans to retire from the company after 44 years of service, effective Sept. 1. Lucia began his career with Kroger in Atlanta in 1974 as a clerk. He served as store manager, field specialist and district management in the Atlanta division. He later held leadership roles in the company’s Nashville, Central, Columbus and Michigan divisions and returned to Atlanta in his current role in 2000.
“In more than 40 years with Kroger, Bruce has earned the admiration and respect of his teammates by forging real, genuine connections with associates and customers,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Bruce has been a tremendous mentor to countless associates throughout our business. He will leave a legacy of strong, hard-working teams who care about each other. We wish Bruce and his family all the best in retirement,” McMullen said.
Brown started his career with Kroger as a bagger at the age of 17. In 1981, he joined the company’s management training program and has since served in leadership positions in nine of Kroger’s retail divisions. Brown was named president of the Cincinnati/Dayton division in 2015.
“Tim is passionate about our customers, our associates and our community and dedicated to our purpose, To Feed the Human Spirit,” said McMullen. “His leadership in supporting Restock Kroger will continue to drive business results in our Atlanta Division and help us achieve our vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift,” he added.
Hays joined Kroger from Albertsons in April 2017 as vice president of operations for the Fry’s division. He was promoted to his current role in September of the same year.
“In just a short time with the company, Scott has already made a lasting impact,” said McMullen. “Scott’s passion for people and wealth of grocery and retail experience makes him an ideal leader for Kroger as we work to redefine the customer experience. We look forward to Scott’s leadership of Restock Kroger in our Cincinnati/Dayton division.”