Kroger Names New Head of C-store Division

CINCINNATI -- There will be a change in the executive team at The Kroger Co. this summer when Van Tarver, vice president of its convenience stores division and supermarket petroleum group, retires from the company in August.

As a result of Tarver's upcoming retirement, Jeff Parker, who most recently served as vice president of small format at Kroger, has been promoted to president of convenience stores and small format, effective immediately.

Tarver will continue to oversee the supermarket petroleum group. His replacement for that role will be named at a later date, according to the company.

Tarver, who joined Kroger as president of Fremont, Calif.-based Quik Stop Markets Inc. in 1997, has more than 36 years of experience managing convenience stores and fuel operations.

"This has been a wonderful experience for me because I have met so many wonderful people and learned so much over the last 16-plus years," Tarver said. "Jeff will be a great leader for the c-stores. I know the company will appoint a dynamic leader for the supermarket petroleum group prior to my retirement."

Parker joined the company in 1998 with Loaf 'N Jug and Mini Mart Inc. based in Pueblo, Colo. He also held positions with Kroger Accounting Services-Hutchinson, Kroger Regional Office and Kwik Shop.

"Having worked with the c-stores division for a number of years, this is like a homecoming of sorts for me," Parker said. "We have some outstanding people in our convenience stores. I am excited for the opportunity to work with them again."

Kroger operates more than 780 convenience stores, along with roughly 2,400 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen banner names. Its c-store banners include Kwik Shop, Turkey Hill Minit Markets, Loaf N' Jug and Tom Thumb Food Stores.