CINCINNATI, OH - Ensuring shareholder returns is a crucial aspect of gaining market momentum, and Kroger is strategizing to increase this metric. The retailer recently announced that it has promoted Rob Quast as its new Head of Investor Relations.

Quast joined Kroger in 2013 as a Financial Manager in the corporate accounting department, a press release stated. In 2017, he was promoted to Director of Insurance and Claims, where he was responsible for Kroger's global insurance strategy.

Prior to Kroger, he spent time in Ernst & Young's assurance practice, providing consultative services for companies in various industries, including healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing.

Furthermore, Quast is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, earning a bachelor's degree as well as master's degree in Accounting. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 2010 and graduated from Kroger's Executive Development Leadership Program in 2018.

"Rob is a seasoned financial professional and respected leader within Kroger," said Gary Millerchip, Kroger's Chief Financial Officer. "Rob's experience will be invaluable as we continue to share our strategy for delivering strong and sustainable total shareholder returns with our investment community."

In his new role as Head of Investor Relations, Quast succeeds Rebekah Manis.

Manis also recently recieved a promotion and will now lead New Geographies, which includes Kroger's recent entry into the Florida market.

Millerchip continued, noting the irreplaceable impact that Manis had in her former role.

"We thank Rebekah for her relentless commitment and significant contributions to our investor community and look forward to her continued leadership within our new geographies," said Millerchip.

Congratulations to Rob Quast and Rebekah Manis as they enter their new roles!

Kroger