HOFFMANN NAMED PRESIDENT OF KWIK SHOP

CINCINNATI, OH, September 14, 2001 -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that Michael Hoffmann has been named president of Kwik Shop, which operates 165 convenience stores owned by Kroger in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois. He succeeds Henry Waguespack, who has announced his retirement after 30 years.

Mr. Hoffmann, 48, will assume his new position September 24, 2001. He has more than 20 years of experience in the convenience store industry. Mr. Hoffmann most recently served as vice president of operations at Turkey Hill Minit Markets, a chain of 226 convenience stores based in Pennsylvania that is also owned by Kroger.

“We’re grateful to Henry for his leadership and contributions to Kwik Shop over the years,” said Bob Moeder, vice president of convenience stores and supermarket petroleum. “At the same time, we welcome Michael to the Kwik Shop family. His experience in operations and merchandising will prove invaluable in positioning Kwik Shop for future growth.”

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the first quarter, the Company operated 2,380 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under approximately two dozen banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith’s, Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace, Dillon, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operates 788 convenience stores, 407 fine jewelry stores and 41 food processing plants.

« Go back