The Kroger Co. has announced leadership changes in several key roles across the company, with Ed Oldham, Ann Reed, Jake Cannon and Josh Harpole appointed to new roles.
Ed Oldham
Oldham has been named head of sourcing, effective Aug. 4. He joins Kroger from PetSmart, where he was SVP and chief supply chain officer. Oldham led the company’s distribution and transportation strategy across North America, overseeing an international distribution network and 2,500 associates.
Oldham brings more than 25 years of experience in retail, CPGs and consulting, where he led planning, buying, replenishment, operations and sourcing decisions across multi-billion-dollar categories. Before joining PetSmart, Oldham held multiple leadership roles at Petco, Walmart, Ernst & Young and Walgreens.
“Ed brings a wealth of knowledge from his time working at and supporting a variety of different retailers,” said Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO of Kroger.
“Sourcing plays a critical role in making sure we can provide lower prices to our customers every day. We look forward to Ed bringing his unique experience to this role and helping us improve the customer experience.”
Ann Reed
Reed, currently president of the Cincinnati-Dayton division, has been appointed group VP of Our Brands, beginning Aug. 4.
Reed began her career as a co-manager in the Central Division in 1993. Since then, she held a number of leadership positions, including store manager, category manager, deli/bakery merchandiser, director of deli/bakery and director of fresh ready meals.
Reed was promoted to VP of merchandising at Fry’s in 2010, followed by VP of merchandising at Fred Meyer in 2013. She was named VP of Customer 1st Promise in 2015, promoted to Louisville division president in 2017 and named Cincinnati-Dayton division president in 2022.
“Ann has deep experience across our organization, and she understands what our customers want to buy,” Sargent said.
“Ann is bringing a great perspective on the ways we can better take advantage of the significant growth opportunities Our Brands represents for Kroger.”
Jake Cannon
Cannon, currently president of the Louisville division, was named to replace Reed as president of the Cincinnati-Dayton division, beginning Aug. 1.
He has more than 20 years of retail experience, beginning his Kroger career as a produce clerk in the Smith’s division in 1999. He has held various leadership roles, including assistant store manager, store manager, lead HR coordinator, key retailing special assignment, Customer 1st Promise manager, district manager and division meat merchandiser.
Cannon was named director of operations for the Cincinnati-Dayton division, VP of freshness and standards for retail operations, then served as VP of operations for the Cincinnati-Dayton division and was named Louisville division president in 2022.
“Jake is a great merchandiser and leader who understands the Cincinnati-Dayton division that Kroger calls home,” Sargent said. “He knows how to run successful stores that our customers love, support his associates and invest in our communities.”
Josh Harpole
Harpole, who has served as VP of deli, bakery and prepared foods since 2020, will succeed Cannon as Louisville division president.
Harpole joined the company as a courtesy clerk in the King Soopers division in 1994. He held a variety of leadership positions in the division, including bakery, customer service and general merchandising manager, store manager, operations coordinator, assistant merchandiser and district manager before being promoted to VP of merchandising for the Louisville division.
“Josh knows how to lead great teams,” Sargent said.
“He has deep experience across our company, as well as spending time leading our strategy in categories we know are important to our customers. Josh makes selling fun, and he will be a great addition to our team of division presidents as well as an asset to the Louisville community.”
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