CINCINNATI, OH - I was always told that when one door closes, another one opens. This certainly rings true for Kroger’s executive team, who is seeing the retirement of one long-term industry staple and the promotion of another in his stead. Atlanta Division President Bruce Lucia is retiring from his post after 44 years with the company, effective September 1, and Tim Brown, who is currently serving as Cincinnati/Dayton Division President, will succeed him. In turn, Scott Hays, Michigan Division President, will take over Brown’s role.

"In his more than 40 years with Kroger, Bruce has earned the admiration and respect of his teammates by forging real, genuine connections with associates and customers," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's Chairman and CEO. "Bruce has been a tremendous mentor to countless associates throughout our business. He will leave a legacy of strong, hard-working teams who care about each other. We wish Bruce and his family all the best in retirement."

Lucia’s roots with Kroger reach as far back as 1974, when he started as a clerk. He graduated from the University of Georgia and then moved into his progression of roles as Store Manager, Field Specialist, and District Management in the Atlanta Division. Between 1987 and 1996, Lucia tackled leadership roles in Nashville, Central, Columbus, and Michigan Divisions, and from there, he was named Michigan Division President in 1996, according to a press release. Just one year after being appointed to his role as Michigan Division President, though, he was named Columbus Division President.

He returned to Atlanta, where he is serving in his current role, in 2000, and there, he is an active community member, working with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, ALS Association, Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Special Olympics of Georgia, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, MDA, Boy Scouts of America, and United Way. Now that he is retiring, however, Lucia and his wife, Tammy, have big plans to hit the road—traveling, playing golf, and spending quality time with family.

As Kroger says goodbye to Lucia as its Atlanta Division President, the company welcomes Brown to the position, effective August 1.

"Tim is passionate about our customers, our associates, and our community and dedicated to our purpose, To Feed the Human Spirit," McMullen said. "His leadership in supporting Restock Kroger will continue to drive business results in our Atlanta Division and help us achieve our vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift."

Brown, too, has spent much of his life dedicated to Kroger’s growth, after joining the company at the young age of 17. In 1981, Brown stepped into management training and has since flourished, holding leadership command in nine of Kroger’s retail divisions. Among his roles at Kroger, Brown was named Vice President of Meat, Seafood, and Deli/Bakery Operations in General Office, Vice President of Merhcnadising in both Columbus and Atlanta Divisions, Vice President of Operations for the Mid-Atlantic Division, President of the Delta Division, and, finally, his current role, President of Cincinnati/Dayton Division.

In Brown’s place, Hays will step up to the plate. The current President of the Michigan Division, will now be President of Cincinnati/Dayton Division, with a successor for his title to be named at a later date. Hays joined the Kroger team in April of 2017, when he was named Vice President of Operations for the Fry’s Division; from there, he stepped into his most recent title in September of 2017.

"In just a short time with the company, Scott has already made a lasting impact," McMullen shared. "Scott's passion for people and wealth of grocery and retail experience makes him an ideal leader for Kroger as we work to redefine the customer experience. We look forward to Scott's leadership of Restock Kroger in our Cincinnati/Dayton division."

Hays might be much newer to Kroger than both Brown and Lucia, but he is steeped in the food retail industry and comes with a vast array of knowledge as a result. Beginning his career in 1983 as a grocery clerk at a Provo, Utah, Albertsons, Hays went on to promotions as Store Director, District Manager, Area Vice President, and Division Vice President for Albertsons’ San Antonio Division. Hays assisted in the development of Texas and Louisiana markets for Albertsons, as well as served as Vice President of Operations for Jewel Osco in the Chicagoland market and Division President for Albertsons’ Dallas-Fort Worth Market. From there, he joined Kroger and has excelled ever since.

Where to next? We wish you all the luck in your next chapters.

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