Valerie Jabbar Named SVP of Kroger

Valerie Jabbar has been named senior VP of The Kroger Co., succeeding the retiring Steve McKinney.

Jabbar, currently group VP of center store merchandising, will oversee see several retail divisions across the leading grocery retailer. She joined the company as a Fry’s store clerk in 1987 and held several leadership roles before serving as VP of merchandising of the Mid-Atlantic division in 2012.

Named VP of merchandising for the Ralphs division in 2013, Jabbar was promoted to president of the division in July 2016. In 2018, she was named group VP of merchandising and was elevated to her current role the following year.

Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger SVP of operations, called Jabbar a dedicated leader who provides strong results through her passion for both associates and customers.

[See also: Kroger to Hire 10,000 Retail Associates]

“Her proven success of building highly motivated teams and executing with excellence will foster an energy and commitment to continue delivering a full, fresh and friendly experience for every customer in the divisions she will lead," Adcock added. "Valerie's 34 years of experience with the company bring a deep understanding of the business and will provide yet another valuable perspective among our senior leadership team."

McKinney spent more than 40 years with Kroger, beginning in 1981 as a clerk for Florida Choice Supermarkets, a former Kroger banner.