King Kullen Grocery Co. has named Tracey Cullen president and chief operating officer, succeeding Joseph W. Brown, who is retiring after a 53-year career with the company, including the past five years as president and COO.
The appointment was announced following the company’s annual board meeting by King Kullen Chairman James A. Cullen Jr.
A fourth-generation member of the founding family, Cullen is the great-granddaughter of King Kullen founder Michael J. Cullen and daughter of former Co-President Brian C. Cullen. She most recently served as senior vice president of company operations.
“This is a special day for the King Kullen organization as Tracey takes the helm of the company founded by her great-grandfather 96 years ago,” James Cullen said. “Over the years, my niece has taken on leadership roles of increasing responsibility and has played an important part in helping shape the company’s future.”
He noted that Cullen’s promotion also marks a company milestone, making her the first woman to serve as president in King Kullen’s history.
James Cullen also praised Brown’s contributions to the company.
“We thank Joe for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to King Kullen,” he said. “His contributions have been immeasurable, and his legacy will remain an important part of our company’s history.”
Cullen joined King Kullen in 2010 after practicing labor and employment law with a national law firm in New York. In addition to serving on the company’s board of directors and executive committee, she also serves on the boards of Long Island Cares and the Long Island Association.
“It is an incredible honor to assume this role at a company that has meant so much to my family for four generations,” Cullen said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon that tradition, which dates back nearly a century.”
She also thanked Brown for his mentorship and leadership during her tenure with the company.
Headquartered in Hauppauge, N.Y., King Kullen was founded in 1930 and is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as America’s first supermarket.
