The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) yesterday announced that Bruce A. Macaulay has been promoted to Group Vice President, Grocery Merchandising, effective immediately.

Mr. Macaulay, 48, has held a series of management positions at Kroger since joining the Company 27 years ago. Prior to his promotion, he served as Vice President of Merchandising for Kroger’s Cincinnati/Dayton division. Before that, he was Vice President of Grocery Merchandising and Procurement at Kroger’s corporate headquarters. Mr. Macaulay joined Kroger as a part-time retail clerk in 1973. He has a B.S. degree from The Ohio State University.

“We’re delighted to welcome Bruce to Kroger’s senior management team,” said David B. Dillon, Kroger president and chief operating officer. “His considerable merchandising experience and proven leadership skills will be tremendous assets to Kroger as we execute our growth strategy.”

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the second quarter, the Company operated 2,392 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, 420 fine jewelry stores, 143 supermarket fuel centers and 41 food processing plants.