The Kroger Co. has announced a significant shift in its senior management structure today. The grocery giant designated Emilee De Martino as its next Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. Crucially, this high-profile appointment will continue to drive strategic Kroger corporate leadership growth across its national footprint.
De Martino succeeds Tim Massa, who will officially retire from his position on September 18. Immediately upon stepping into her role, De Martino plans to connect directly with associates nationwide. She will tour retail stores, distribution hubs, manufacturing plants, and administrative offices to build strong workplace relationships.
A Proven Track Record in Global Workforce Management
The executive joins Kroger after a highly successful tenure at McDonald’s Corporation. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for International Operated Markets. In that capacity, she successfully managed people strategy across 19 countries. Consequently, she oversaw a massive workforce comprising more than 750,000 corporate and restaurant employees.
During her eight years with McDonald’s, De Martino implemented several major operational improvements. Specifically, she shaped and embedded global People Brand Standards across the entire international system. Furthermore, she championed extensive enterprise transformation efforts to fuel long-term corporate growth. Her dedication to professional talent development resulted in record levels of restaurant crew retention.
“Emilee is a proven leader with a track record of building strong people organizations at scale,” said Greg Foran, CEO of Kroger. “Her experience leading transformation across one of the world’s largest workforces, combined with her commitment to developing talent, makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead the next chapter of our people work at Kroger.”
Deep Expertise in Transformation and Human Capital
Before her time at McDonald’s, De Martino worked as Vice President of Change and Culture at CNA Financial Corporation. There, she spearheaded vital organizational redesign initiatives and corporate modernization efforts. Additionally, she spent years in management consulting at top-tier firms Accenture and Mercer. At those companies, she regularly advised global organizations on human capital strategy and change management.
“Kroger is one of the most respected companies in America, with a long-standing commitment to its associates and the communities it serves,” said De Martino. “I am honored to join an organization where people are central to the strategy and excited to work with associates across the business to continue building Kroger as an employer of choice.”
Educationally, De Martino holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from Kansas State University. Finally, she completed an advanced executive strategy program at Columbia University. This impressive background ensures steady Kroger corporate leadership growth for years to come.
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News Source: PRNewswire.com
