King Kullen, the Hauppauge, NY-based regional chain that is thought to have opened America’s first supermarket (1930), has appointed James A. Cullen Jr. chairman of its board of directors. The move follows the retirement of Ronald Conklin, who previously served as chairman and who began his leadership position on the board in 2006 as co-chairman.
Conklin will remain on King Kullen’s board and will carry the title of chairman emeritus. Jim Cullen, a member of the board’s executive committee, is the grandson of King Kullen founder Michael J. Cullen and son of James A. Cullen, who served as King Kullen chairman until his death in 1974. The announcement was made by King Kullen president and COO Joseph W. Brown.
“On behalf of the entire King Kullen organization, I want to thank Ron Conklin for his many years of service and innumerable contributions to King Kullen,” stated Brown. “Ron was already a longtime board member when he succeeded his late father-in-law, John B. Cullen, as co-chair. We look forward to his continued involvement with King Kullen as chairman emeritus. I also want to congratulate Jim Cullen on his new role as chairman. For many years, Jim headed up King Kullen’s real estate department and helped steer the company’s growth. As chairman, he will continue to guide our organization through a number of strategic initiatives. This is an exciting period for King Kullen and I look forward to working with Jim on these various projects.”
Jim Cullen’s promotion to chairman is the third major corporate level move that the family-owned regional chain has made in over the past 12 months. In June 2021, the Long Island supermarket retailer announced that Brown had been elevated to president and COO of the 34-store retailer (29 King Kullen units and five Wild By Nature natural and organic stores) after a career that approached 50 years with the company. Joe Brown’s promotion marketed the first time in the retailer’s 91-year history that a president was appointed who was not a member of the Cullen family.
At the same time, Bernard P. Kennedy was named executive VP-chief administrative officer, and secretary. Additionally, Tracey Cullen was elected VP, corporate strategy and initiatives. Cullen, previously VP, marketing, was also elected to the board of directors. She is the great granddaughter of founder Michael Cullen. Michael Infantolino was elected president of independent subsidiary Wild By Nature, moving up from his former post there as VP. Albert Hesse was elected VP of King Kullen Pharmacies Corp. He previously served as the retailer’s director of pharmacy.
In March 2021, King Kullen also announced that Brian C. Cullen and J. Donald Kennedy, the grandson and great-nephew of the founder, were planning to retire from their joint roles as co-presidents of the regional chain.