The Kroger Co. has announced that Valerie Jabbar, SVP of retail divisions, retired in May after 38 years of service.
Jabbar began her career with Kroger’s Fry’s division in 1987 as a clerk. Over the decades, she held a range of leadership roles including assistant store director, category manager, drug/general manager coordinator, general office seasonal manager, assistant director of drug/general manager, director of drug/general manager and district manager in the Fry’s Division.
In 2012, she relocated to the Mid‑Atlantic Division in Virginia as VP of merchandising. The following year, she moved to the Ralphs Division in Southern California as VP of merchandising, and in 2016, she became division president of Ralphs. In 2018, Jabbar was promoted to group VP of center store merchandising at Kroger’s Cincinnati headquarters, where she led center store teams for grocery and natural foods, adult beverage, general merchandise and health and beauty across Kroger’s 2,700 stores nationwide. She served as an executive member of the merchandising leadership team, influencing strategy, planning, execution, staffing, sourcing, category management and budgeting. In 2021, she assumed her most recent role as SVP of retail divisions.
“Val’s journey from store clerk to SVP is a testament to what’s possible at Kroger,” said Ron Sargent, chairman of The Kroger Co. “She shaped teams, developed leaders and touched countless associates across this company for nearly four decades. We wish Val, Sam and their entire family all the best in this well‑earned next chapter.”
Throughout her career, Jabbar has been recognized as a leader both inside and outside the grocery industry. She was named 2018 Women Executive of the Year by The Shelby Report. She has served on the boards of the Salvation Army, WAFC and NextUp, and has been a committed executive sponsor of Kroger’s Women’s Edge and KePasa Associate Resource Groups.
Jabbar reflected on her career in a LinkedIn post, writing, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work in an industry that truly serves people – our customers, our associates and our communities. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to experience moments that challenged me, inspired me, and helped shape who I am as a leader. Even more meaningful are the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to work alongside – passionate, resilient and deeply committed individuals who show up every day with heart and purpose to serve.
“I’ve learned that the work is important, but the people are everything. The friendships built, the lessons shared, and the trust earned along the way are what I will carry forward with me. This isn’t a goodbye; it’s simply a see you later. I’m thankful for the journey so far and excited for what’s ahead, knowing the connections and experiences will continue to matter wherever the road leads. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this chapter. It’s been an honor.”
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