The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced that Tim Massa, Executive Vice President and Chief Associate Experience Officer, will retire on September 18 following 16 years with the grocery chain.

Massa joined Kroger in 2010 after a 21-year career at Procter & Gamble. He started as Vice President of Talent Development and progressed through senior leadership roles including Group Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Chief People Officer, and his current position as Executive Vice President and Chief Associate Experience Officer.

As Kroger's senior human resources executive, Massa led strategy across talent management, leadership development, labor relations, total rewards, associate well-being and culture. He helped develop Kroger's New Beginnings program, which creates career pathways for hourly associates.

"Tim has been a relatable and trusted leader throughout his time at Kroger," said Greg Foran, CEO of Kroger. "He cares deeply about our associates and built a people organization that supports and respects them."

Ron Sargent, Chairman of Kroger's board, said Massa "built a world-class people organization, navigated the company through some of its most defining moments and quietly shaped a generation of leaders."

Massa guided the company's people response during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked on executive compensation with Kroger's Compensation and Talent Development Committee and executive succession planning with the Board of Directors.

In 2024, Massa was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources. He serves on boards including the CHRO Association and the National Academy of Human Resources Board of Trustees.

Massa will remain in his role through September 18 to ensure a smooth transition. His successor will be named at a later date, according to the company statement.