The Kroger Co. announced its technology leadership succession plans in support of Restock Kroger. Christopher T. Hjelm, executive vice president and chief information officer, will be succeeded by Yael Cosset, Kroger's chief digital officer, effective May 1, 2019. Mr. Hjelm will remain executive vice president, reporting to Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen, until his retirement on August 1, 2019. Mr. Cosset will assume responsibility for the Kroger Technology function in addition to his current Kroger Digital portfolio underscoring the strategic integration of digital and technology initiatives to deliver customers anything, anytime, anywhere. Mr. Hjelm joined Kroger as senior vice president and chief information officer in 2005, after an extensive career in technology, including key senior executive roles at FedEx, Orbitz, and eBay. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2015. Separately, Stuart Aitken, CEO of Kroger's 84.51 data analytics subsidiary, will add the new role of senior vice president in charge of alternative business. Aitken will take on the new role February 3, 2019. He'll also remain CEO of 84.51 and oversee Kroger's marketing. Aitken's new role includes overseeing alternative profit businesses including 84.51; Kroger Personal Finance, which offers a credit card linked to Kroger's rewards program; Kroger Precision Marketing, which provides consumer insights; and in-store advertising using its Edge store technology. Aitken became CEO of DunnhumbyUSA, 84.51's predecessor in 2010. He has been 84.51's CEO since it was launched in 2015 as a Kroger unit. Aitken became Kroger's chief marketing officer in 2017.
Kroger Co. is one of the American leaders in food products distribution. Net sales break down by activity as follows:
- distribution of non-perishable food products (50.6%). In addition, the group offers general merchandise products (apparel, home fashion and furnishings, outdoor living, electronics, automotive products and toys), health care and beauty products, and natural products;
- distribution of fresh produce (24.6%): fruit and vegetables, meat products, seafood, fine groceries, bakery products, fresh prepared products, etc.;
- operation of supermarkets with service stations (10.6%);
- distribution of pharmaceutical products (9%);
- other (5.2%): primarily manufacturing of food products for third parties through 33 production sites (bakeries and dairy plants) located in the United States.
As of 29/02/2022, As of January 29, 2022, business is ensured through 2,726 supermarkets (of which 2,252 had pharmacies and 1,613 had fuel centers).
All sales are in the United States.
KROGER CO. (THE) 
