The Kroger Co. named the new president of Kroger's Delta Division, taking over the position from Victor Smith who was promoted to president of the Atlanta Division. Cristal began his career at Kroger as an assistant store leader in Memphis in 1985.

He's since worked as merchandising category manager and assistant merchandiser for pharmacy as well as assistant merchandiser and merchandiser for drug/general merchandise. Later, Cristal became regional sales plan coordinator at Kroger's corporate office. He returned to the Delta Division as a district manager and moved to the Atlanta Division to serve as director of operations.

His latest role was as VP of operations for Kroger's Fry's Division based in Phoenix, Arizona. Smith was named president of the Delta Division in 2018.