Kroger's Fred Meyer Chain President Lynn Gust to Retire; Jeff Burt to Succeed Him
CINCINATTI, OH - Lynn Gust, President of one of Kroger’s grocery chains Fred Meyer, has announced his retirement after 45 years of service.
"Throughout his distinguished career, Lynn has always led by empowering, encouraging and supporting others," explained Rodney McMullen, Kroger's Chairman and CEO. "Lynn is widely respected throughout our company and industry for his passion for people, the food business, and the communities we serve. The entire Kroger family wishes Lynn and his family all the best in retirement."
The official switchover will go into effect January 31, with the current President of Kroger's Central Division, Jeff Burt, being promoted to take his place.
"Jeff is a strong, dynamic leader who brings out the best in our associates," McMullen continued in a press release. "His enthusiasm for serving our customers combined with both broad and deep experience in our business – including in the Pacific Northwest – will serve our Fred Meyer team well. We are grateful he agreed to take on this important role."
Starting his career with Kroger in 1970, Gust began as a parcel clerk at Fred Meyer’s and worked his way all the way up through the company’s food management program, and eventually to a variety of leadership roles.
Under Gust’s leadership, Fred Meyer reached $10 billion in annual sales for the first time and was recognized twice as one of Oregon's "Best Places to Work" by the Portland Business Journal, Kroger’s press release stipulates.
The new company President, Burt, has served 30 years within the Kroger structure. Beginning as a management trainee in 1986, Burt quickly rose to other roles like Store Manager, Produce Merchandiser, and Vice President of Merchandising and Operations. His previous work involved him serving as Corporate Vice President of Deli/Bakery Merchandising and Procurement, Group Vice President of Perishables Merchandising and Procurement, and most recently as President of Kroger's Central division since 2013.
With new chapters opening up for both Kroger and Fred Meyer, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for continued updates.
