Movers and Shakers The right people in the right roles can make all the difference Kroger announces key leader updates The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced several leadership


appointments and retirements across its retail divisions, promoting experienced executives into expanded roles. “We are excited to promote several talented senior executives to


key roles that will position Kroger for future success,” said Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent. He also thanked Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke for their many contributions as they enter retirement. Victor Smith, president of Kroger’s Atlanta Division, has been


promoted to senior vice president of Retail Divisions, joining Valerie Jabbar and Joe Kelley in the role. Smith brings more than 40 years of grocery industry experience and has held numerous leadership positions across Kroger divisions. He currently serves on the boards of The Kroger Company Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation and the Georgia Food Industry Association and was named 2025 CEO of the Year by the Georgia Minority Business Association. Monica Garnes, currently president of the Fry’s Division, has been promoted to president of the Atlanta Division. Garnes began her


Kroger career in 1995 and has held a range of merchandising and operational leadership roles. She serves on the University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees and the Arizona Commerce Authority Board. Ken DeLuca, president of the Michigan Division, has been


promoted to president of the Fry’s Division. DeLuca has spent 38 years with Kroger in leadership roles spanning operations, merchandising, and labor relations, and has served on several nonprofit boards. Kroger also announced changes in its Ralphs and Central divisions. Tom Schwilke, president of the Ralphs Division, will retire after more than 42 years in the retail industry. Kendra Doyel, currently president of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co Division, has been promoted to president of the Ralphs Division. Additionally, Colleen Juergensen, president of the Central Division, will retire after 45 years with Kroger, having begun her career as a bakery clerk in Kansas.


Grupo Bimbo appoints new Chief Executive Officer


Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V. has appointed Alejandro Rodríguez Bas as Chief Executive Officer, following the resignation of Rafael Pamias Romero, who has decided to step away to address personal and health matters. Rodríguez Bas joined Grupo Bimbo in


2021 and currently serves as Global CEO of Barcel and a member of the company’s Executive Committee. He brings extensive international leadership experience across the consumer goods and food industries. Prior to joining Grupo Bimbo, he spent ten years at PepsiCo, including serving as CEO for Australia and New Zealand. He later held senior leadership roles as CEO of Grupo LALA in Mexico, Vice President at C&S Wholesale Grocers, and CEO of Acosta Sales and Marketing in the United States. Rodríguez Bas holds degrees in Electromechanical and Industrial Engineering from Universidad Panamericana and an MBA from Harvard. “I want to recognize and thank Rafa for his commitment,


dedication, and hard work over these eight years, particularly during the last year and a half as CEO,” said Daniel Servitje, Executive Chairman of Grupo Bimbo. “He helped make Grupo Bimbo a company more focused on sustainability, quality, and the consumer.” Servitje added that Rodríguez Bas has a results-driven track


record and deep commercial and operational expertise. “Over the past four years, he has been instrumental in accelerating innovation, expanding the Barcel brand internationally, and establishing manufacturing operations across multiple continents. The Board and I are confident he will do an excellent job as CEO.”


“It has been an honour to lead Grupo Bimbo,” said Pamias. “I am proud of what we have built together and confident that Alejandro’s leadership will continue to strengthen the company’s position globally.” Rodríguez Bas said he assumes the role with a strong to driving growth, strengthening powerful


commitment


brands, and building a sustainable, highly productive, and deeply humane company.


38 • KENNEDY’S BAKERY PRODUCTION • DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025/26


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