After a 48-year industry career, Jerry Clontz has retired as president of Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic division based in Roanoke, VA. He will be replaced by Paula Ginnett, who most recently was a vice president for Walmart. The changes became effective on November 1.

“Jerry has been an outstanding leader and colleague over his nearly five decades with the organization,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger’s executive VP and COO. “His passion for both people and results has been exemplified throughout his career. We applaud his mentorship and development of associates and teams across our family of companies.”

Clontz began his supermarket career with sister company Harris Teeter in 1971 as a bagger in North Carolina. Since then, he has held various retail positions, including store manager, store director and field specialist. He was named a district manager in 1991 and then promoted to regional director three years later. In 1997, he was named a regional VP for the Matthews, NC-based upscale merchant and contributed to Harris Teeter’s successful expansion to several markets during his tenure, including Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland and Coastal Delaware. He was named senior VP-operations in 2007, and under his leadership, Harris Teeter added 79 new stores. In 2017, Clontz joined Kroger in his current role.

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Ginnett joined Kroger after more than 25 years with Walmart. For the past five years, she served as VP and regional general manager for the mass merchant and was based in Phoenix. In her most recent role, Ginnett led 188 stores and 45,000 employees. Previously, she served as VP-store planning where she led Walmart and Sam’s Club real estate execution for new store openings, remodels and special projects. She has also held various leadership positions in merchandising and operations.

“Paula is well-respected in the industry for being both a dynamic leader and a top retail strategist,” continued Donnelly. “She brings more than 25 years of retail experience to her new role as president of our Mid-Atlantic division. We look forward to her leadership in redefining the grocery customer experience, developing talent and living our purpose.”

Ginnett graduated from Capella University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She’s been a dedicated community leader and contributor throughout her career, volunteering with the American Cancer Society – Making Strides, American Heart Association, Children’s Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen – Race for the Cure.

Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic division operates 110 stores across five states and employs more than 15,000 associates who serve America through food inspiration and uplift.