Kroger names Mark Ibbotson as chief store operations officer

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced that Mark Ibbotson will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer, effective September 14, according to a press release.

Ibbotson previously held senior roles at Walmart and its former U.K. subsidiary Asda. At Asda, where he joined in 2004, he held positions including Loss Prevention Director, Productivity Director, Retail Director, and Chief Operating Officer. He joined Walmart U.S. in 2015 as Senior Vice President of Innovation before becoming Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty, a role that covered store operations, real estate, asset protection, and elements of the company's digital operations, including its grocery eCommerce platform.

Ibbotson left Walmart in 2020 and has since worked as a strategic advisor to retail and technology companies. He has also served as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company for the past four years.

Kroger CEO Greg Foran said in the statement: "He knows what it takes to simplify complex operations, bring out the best in frontline teams, and build the digital and physical capabilities that win with customers."

Ibbotson began his retail career in the United Kingdom, with early roles at Sainsbury's before moving to Asda.

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