<p>Kroger’s Smith division is in for some major changes on the corporate level as Vice President of Transition, Mark Tuffin replaces acting President Jim Hallsey. Mr. Hallsey will be retiring after 47 years with the company, a legacy which includes positions as Senior Vice President of the Drug Division and Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Hallsey took on his Presidential role in 2001 and also played a key role in mitigating Smith’s merger with Fred Meyer in 1996. Rodney McMullen, President of Kroger, stated: “Jim is the executive and leader we all strive to be. He is respected throughout our company for his commitment to associates and our Customer 1st Strategy. He is a beloved friend and mentor to many people. Jim is leaving an inspiring legacy at Smith's and Kroger and he will be deeply missed.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Mr. Tuffin brags a similarly impressive resume, having had 30 years of experience in the industry as well as several key leadership roles at Smith’s before taking on his current position as Vice President of Transition in 2009. McMullen also praised Mr. Tuffin, stating: ““Mark possesses remarkable leadership skills and experience in both the Smith's division and leading Kroger's transition efforts. Despite the challenges of organizational change, he never lost sight of our core mission to put the customer first. We are pleased Mark has accepted this new role.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">www.kroger.com</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
