Kroger announces leadership changes across key divisions
Ed Oldham joins as Head of Sourcing, while Ann Reed, Jake Cannon, and Josh Harpole take on new roles
KENYA – The Kroger Co. is making several changes to its senior leadership team, with appointments taking effect in early August.
The company has named Ed Oldham as Head of Sourcing, effective August 4.
Oldham previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at PetSmart, overseeing distribution and transportation strategies across North America for an international network employing 2,500 people.
His career spans more than 25 years in retail, consumer packaged goods, and consulting, with responsibilities that have included planning, buying, replenishment, operations, and sourcing for multi-billion US$ categories.
Before joining PetSmart, Oldham held leadership positions at Petco, Walmart, Ernst & Young, and Walgreens.
In addition to Oldham’s appointment, Kroger has promoted Ann Reed to group vice president of Our Brands, also effective August 4.
Reed, who joined the company in 1993 as a co-manager in the Central Division, has worked in multiple leadership roles including store manager, category manager, and director positions in deli, bakery, and fresh ready meals.
Her previous appointments include vice president of Merchandising at Fry’s in 2010, vice president of Merchandising at Fred Meyer in 2013, vice president of Customer 1st Promise in 2015, Louisville division president in 2017, and most recently Cincinnati-Dayton division president since 2022.
Replacing Reed in Cincinnati-Dayton is Jake Cannon, who moves from his role as president of the Louisville division on August 1.
Cannon began his career at Kroger in 1999 as a produce clerk in the Smith’s division and has held various positions such as store manager, district manager, division meat merchandiser, and vice president of Operations for the Cincinnati-Dayton division before taking up the Louisville post in 2022.
His experience includes overseeing store operations, implementing retail standards, and managing customer service initiatives in multiple divisions.
Following Cannon’s transfer, Kroger has appointed Josh Harpole as Louisville division president, effective in August.
Harpole joined the company in 1994 as a courtesy clerk in the King Soopers division and has since held roles in bakery, customer service, general merchandising, store management, and merchandising leadership.
He was promoted to vice president of Merchandising for the Louisville division before taking his current role as vice president of Deli, Bakery, and Prepared Foods in 2020.
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