The Kroger Co.’s EVP and Chief Associate Experience Officer Tim Massa will retire on Sept. 18 following 16 years of leadership at Kroger and more than three decades in human resources.
Massa joined Kroger in 2010 after a 21‑year career at Procter & Gamble. He rose through senior leadership roles including VP of talent development, group VP of human resources (HR) and labor relations, chief people officer, SVP and finally as EVP and chief associate experience officer. As Kroger’s most senior HR executive, Massa led strategy across talent, leadership development, labor relations, total rewards, associate well‑being and culture.
“Tim has been a relatable and trusted leader throughout his time at Kroger,” said Kroger CEO Greg Foran. “He cares deeply about our associates and built a people organization that supports and respects them. We appreciate Tim’s many contributions over the years and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Massa was an early architect of Kroger’s New Beginnings program, which creates pathways for hourly associates to build long‑term careers. His tenure spanned the COVID‑19 pandemic, where he guided the company’s people response, and he helped author Kroger’s Framework for Action. He also worked closely with Kroger’s board on executive succession planning.
“Tim Massa is the kind of leader every company hopes to have, and every board is fortunate to work with,” said Kroger Chairman Ron Sargent.
“For 16 years, Tim has been a champion for Kroger’s associates and a trusted partner to our board of directors. He built a world‑class people organization, navigated the company through some of its most defining moments and quietly shaped a generation of leaders who will carry Kroger forward for years to come.”
Massa’s influence extends beyond Kroger. He serves on the boards of the CHRO Association, the National Academy of Human Resources (which named him a Fellow in 2024), and the Center for Executive Succession Advisory Board at the University of South Carolina. He was recognized as one of Mogul’s Top People Leaders for 2026.
“It has been the honor of my career to serve the associates at Kroger,” Massa said. “From day one at Kroger, I believed that our people and our company values are what make this company special, and after 16 years, I continue to believe our people are the experience makers that create the customer experience we strive for, one customer at a time.”
Massa will remain in his role through Sept. 18 to ensure a smooth transition. His successor will be named at a later date. In retirement, he plans to continue developing leaders through executive coaching and board service.
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