Kroger Nabs Mondelez's Gabriel Arreaga as New SVP Supply Chain
Gabriel Arreaga has joined Kroger as senior VP of supply chain, replacing the retiring Robert Clark.
Most recently senior VP of supply chain at Mondelez International, Arreaga will be responsible for the No. 5 retailer’s supply chain organization, including logistics, inventory and replenishment.
Prior to Mondelez, he served as global VP of operations for Stanley Black and Decker, and he spent more than 13 years in various capacities at Unilever, including VP of food and beverage operations.
"Gabriel's proven history of outstanding leadership and management of complex supply chain and logistics functions will accelerate our ability to provide a seamless shopping experience for our customers," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger chairman and CEO. "We welcome Gabriel and his 22 years of leadership experience in the industry and look forward to adding his fresh perspective and insights to our growing operations."
McMullen also thanked Clark, who got his start at the company as a bagger, for his 35 years of service and leadership. "He's been an instrumental leader at all levels of our organization and has built collaborative teams and developed business strategies that have advanced our operations and uplifted our associates and customers," said McMullen.
Kroger also separately shared the location of its next automated customer fulfillment center (CFC) developed in partnership with Ocado: Romulus, MI.
The CFC is expected to become operational 18 months after the site breaks ground, creating 250 new jobs, and will support customers in Michigan, northern Ohio and Indiana. At 135,000 square feet, the site is smaller than others Kroger has opened and part of a trio of locations currently in the works.
Kroger’s investments in robotics and automated fulfillment under its “Restock Kroger” digital transformation strategy are serving it well during the COVID-19 health crisis, as more consumers flock to grocery delivery and click-and-collect. The company reported digital sales growth of 127% in the second quarter.
