The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced Steve Burnham, president of the King Soopers division, has announced his plans to retire from the organization, effective November 6. He will be succeeded by Joe Kelley, current president of the Kroger Houston division. Kelley’s successor for the Houston division will be announced soon.

Kelley, current president of the Kroger Houston division, has been promoted to president of the King Soopers division. He succeeds Burnham who is retiring from the organization.

“Joe has been a tremendous leader and innovator during his career with Kroger, uplifting our associates and unlocking new ways of operating,” said Valerie Jabbar, Kroger’s group vice president of retail operations. “We congratulate Joe on his transition to lead King Soopers and wish him and the team continued success.”

Kelley joined Kroger in 2019 as vice president on special assignment, focusing on elevating the customer experience. He was promoted to president of the Houston division later that year. Kelley is a seasoned retail executive with regional, national, and international experience in leading sales, marketing, merchandising, category management, supply chain, and operations. He has also held executive leadership roles with Ahold USA, Stop and Shop, Marsh Supermarkets, and Price Chopper Supermarkets. Kelley most recently served as principal of Kelley Business Advisors, LLC, where he advised grocery retailers.

Kelley currently serves on the boards for the Greater Houston Partnership and Boys and Girls Club Greater Houston. Over the years, he’s served on numerous boards including United Way, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the Massachusetts Food Association, and Greater Boston Food Bank. In 2009, he was awarded “Man of the Year” by the Connecticut Food Association and “Man of the Year” in 2010 by the Massachusetts Food Association.