Kroger Names Gil Phipps Vice President of Branding, Marketing, and Our Brands
CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger recently named Gil Phipps, who is currently Vice President of Our Brands, to Vice President of Branding, Marketing and Our Brands, effective August 15.
"The retail industry is dynamic, exciting, and changing, and I'm thrilled to take on this role at this very moment to transform the way Kroger connects with our customers to elevate our brand across America," stated Phipps. "We will continue to build on how we use data points powered by 84.51° to create marketing communications and experiences that are even more relevant, meaningful, and personalized."
Phipps joined the company in 2012, where he led the transformation of Our Brands by evolving existing brands and introducing new brands that resonated with customers. Through elevating recipes and product formulations, inserting personality into packaging, and more, Phipps increased customer loyalty and drove record Our Brands sales growth, according to a company press release. The company also noted that, under Phipps' leadership and influence, the Our Brands business substantially increased. It also commended Phipps for introducing Simple Truth®, a natural and organic brand in America.
"We are fundamentally changing how we market to and engage with our customers, and Gil is the perfect talent—a personality full of creativity, imagination, and fun who loves food and new meal experiences—to lead the way," said Stuart Aitken, Kroger's Group Vice President and CEO of 84.51°. "Kroger's new marketing approach is more engaging, cross-functional, data-driven, and customer-led in support of Restock Kroger. As we redefine the customer experience, we are using compelling marketing communications to create uplifting connections with our shoppers that earn even more of their sales, trust, and loyalty."
Phipps started his grocery career in 1987 as a Store Director for Fresh Plus Grocery in Austin, Texas. Following the role, he became Brand Manager for Guiltless Gourmet before moving into brand marketing positions at both Michael Angelo's Gourmet Foods and Hormel Foods. In 2001, Gil joined H-E-B as a Brand Manager before earning a series of promotions that placed him as the leader of H-E-B's store brands program.
The company also recently promoted Valerie Jubbar to Group Vice President of Merchandising for the company, and Mike Murphy to President of the Ralphs division.
Congratulations to Gil Phipps on this new position from all of us here at AndNowUKnow!
