Kroger’s C-store Division Names New Merchandising VP

CINCINNATI -- Bill Mullen, currently senior vice president of Kwik Shop in Hutchinson, Kan., will become vice president of merchandising for The Kroger Co.’s convenience stores division, effective Aug. 1.

In his new role, Mullen will be responsible for the management and coordination of merchandising for Kroger's c-stores, small-format locations and fuel center kiosks.

He joined the company in 2008 as vice president of marketing for Tom Thumb, where he developed store sets, planograms, product merchandising programs and advertising. In 2013, Mullen moved to the operations side of Tom Thumb, where he was responsible for 121 stores in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Later in 2013, he was promoted to his current role at Kwik Shop.

“Since joining the company, Bill has been a true asset to the c-stores team,” said Jeff Parker, president of Kroger's convenience stores/small format division. “He is a great leader who consistently delivers positive results while also focusing on coaching and developing his team. I look forward to the leadership and expertise that Bill will bring to this new role as we continue to grow the convenience store area of the business.”

Parker is relatively new to his current role as well. As previously reported by CSNews Online, he was promoted to president of the convenience stores/small format division earlier this year. He replaced Van Tarver, who will retire from the company in August after 17 years of service.

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, Tom Thumb Food Stores and Quik Stop Markets.