CINCINNATI, OH - A new President of Kroger's Ruler Division has been named, filling the spot left vacant when Paul Bowen retired in May of this year. The division, which spans Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee, will now be led by Liz Ferneding.
"I'm excited to join the Ruler team to help further develop the format, grow the brand and enhance customer engagement," said Ferneding, who will assume this role effective July 31. "I have admired the Kroger Co. both as a consumer and a competitor, and have looked to the company throughout my tenure in the industry as a benchmark in grocery retail."
A veteran of Aldi for 11 years, Ferneding has held a variety of leadership roles with the retailer, including an international assignment in Australia, Director of Marketing, and Director of Corporate Buying. Ferneding is also a graduate of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University.
"Liz's extensive grocery retail experience in procurement, marketing, advertising, management, and operations will be an asset to our Ruler associates, customers, and community," said Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO. "We have a lot of respect for the Ruler format and the customer it serves. Liz's talent and insights will help us sharpen our value-centric, small-format store."
Headquartered in Seymour, Indiana, the Ruler division operates 48 stores, each averaging 19,000-square-feet. Kroger positions its Ruler stores as having low prices and an expansive selection of Our Brands foods. According to a press release, the division will welcome two more locations later in the year.
