USA: Flora promoted to president of Kroger’s Michigan division

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that Jon C. Flora has been promoted to president of the Company's Michigan division, which operates 106 stores in that state.Mr. Flora, 45, replaces Marnette Perry, who earlier this week was named president of the Company's Columbus (OH) division. Mr. Flora most recently served as executive vice president of Kroger's Southwest division, which operates 182 stores in Texas and Louisiana. He has held that position since 1996."Jon Flora brings a wealth of retail operations and marketing experience to his new post," said David B. Dillon, Kroger president and chief operating officer. "He has played a critical role on the team which built our Southwest operations into the strength that it is today, and we're confident that he will bring the same commitment and energy to our Michigan division."Mr. Flora began his retail career at Dillon Stores in 1971. He has served in a variety of management positions during the past 29 years, including grocery operations, real estate, marketing, distribution and transportation. Prior to joining Kroger's Southwest division, Mr. Flora was executive vice president of marketing, distribution and transportation at Dillon Stores in Hutchinson (KS).Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is the nation's largest retail grocery chain. At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company operated 2,338 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under more than a dozen banners, including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Smith's, King Soopers, Dillon, Fry's, City Market, Food 4 Less and Quality Food Centers. Kroger also operates 789 convenience stores, 397 fine jewelry stores and 42 food processing plants.