Food City recently announced two key leadership changes, naming Joe Greene EVP of operations for the Knoxville, Tennessee division and expanding Bucky Slagle’s role to VP of food service, Starbucks, produce and floral operations.
The moves bring more than 80 years of combined industry experience to expanded leadership positions across the 163-store grocery chain.
Greene returns to lead the Knoxville division
Greene, who brings more than 45 years of retail experience to the role, replaces Katie Penny, who was recently promoted to corporate EVP of store operations.
Greene began his career as a courtesy clerk for Giant Food Markets in 1979 and held several positions with the company, including stock clerk and grocery manager. The company was acquired by a regional grocery chain in 1984, and Greene worked his way through the ranks, serving as grocery manager, assistant store manager, store manager, district manager and regional human resources manager.
Greene joined the Food City team in 2004, serving as senior human resource specialist for the company’s Knoxville Division. He was promoted to district manager in 2016, responsible for the oversight of 13 supermarket locations within the Knoxville Division. In 2023, Greene was promoted to VP of produce and floral operations.
In his new role, Greene will be responsible for the oversight of Food City’s Knoxville Division operations, which includes 51 retail locations.
Steven C. Smith, Food City’s CEO and president, said Greene’s local roots and industry experience make him a strong fit for the role.
“We’re excited to have Joe leading our Knoxville Division team. His dedication to customer service, extensive experience in the grocery industry and long history with our company make him an exceptional fit for this role. As a Knoxville native and former district manager in the area, he already has strong ties to the community and our team. We would like to congratulate Joe on his new role,” Smith said.
Greene said the appointment carries personal significance.
“I’m honored to return to the Knoxville Division, an area that shaped both my life and my career. Having spent most of my supermarket career in this community and region, this opportunity feels deeply personal. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to build on the strong foundation already in place, supporting our associates and serving the customers who have always been at the heart of everything we do,” he said.
Greene is an active member of the community, having served as chairman and treasurer of the Tennessee Grocer’s Education Foundation Board of Trustees, past chairman of TGCSA’s East Tennessee Golf Committee and as a committee member for American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Greene was inducted into the Tennessee Grocer’s Hall of Eagles in 2018 and was recently named TGCSA’s Retailer of the Year.
[RELATED: Food City’s Greene Named TGCSA Retailer Of The Year]
Slagle Adds Produce And Floral Oversight
Slagle, VP of food service and Starbucks, will take on the additional responsibility of oversight of the company’s produce and floral operations in his new role.
Slagle brings more than 38 years of industry knowledge and experience to the key role. He replaces Greene in overseeing the produce and floral operations.
Smith said Slagle’s previous experience makes the expanded role a fit.
“Having served as VP of food service and Starbucks for the past three years, Bucky has done an exceptional job leading our teams … this is a natural progression for him given his extensive knowledge and experience,” Smith said. “He understands our products, our people and is an outstanding merchant. We would like to congratulate Bucky as he takes on these additional responsibilities within our company.”
Slagle said he is looking forward to working across multiple departments.
“I’m truly honored and grateful for this exciting opportunity. What makes it especially meaningful is the chance to continue working with our talented food service and Starbucks teams, while also reconnecting with our incredible produce and floral teams,” he said.
Slagle joined the Food City team in 1988, enrolling in the company’s assistant store manager training program. He served as an assistant store manager for two years before being promoted to store manager, serving in that capacity for six years.
Slagle was promoted to district manager in 1998, responsible for the oversight of 13 supermarket locations throughout the Knoxville market area. He assumed the role as VP of food service and Starbucks operations in 2023.