Leadership transitions often signal a company’s next strategic priority. For Kroger, the appointment of a new Chief People Officer reflects its continued focus on workforce development, organizational transformation, and long-term business growth.
The Kroger Co. has named Emilee De Martino as its next Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, succeeding Tim Massa, who will retire on September 18 after years of leading the company’s people strategy.
De Martino brings extensive global human resources experience and is expected to play a key role in strengthening Kroger’s workforce across its retail stores, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and corporate offices.
Bringing Global HR Leadership to Kroger
Before joining Kroger, De Martino served as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for International Operated Markets at McDonald’s Corporation.
In that role, she led people strategy across 19 countries, supporting a workforce of more than 750,000 employees. Her responsibilities included talent development, organizational transformation, leadership strategy, and improving employee experience across international operations.
During her eight years at McDonald’s, she helped implement the company’s People Brand Standards and Values while supporting enterprise-wide transformation initiatives designed to drive sustainable growth.
A Background Built Around Organizational Transformation
Prior to McDonald’s, De Martino served as Vice President of Change and Culture at CNA Financial Corporation, where she led large-scale organizational redesign and modernization initiatives.
Earlier in her career, she worked as a consultant at Accenture and Mercer, advising global organizations on change management, human capital strategy, leadership development, and business transformation.
Her experience spans multiple industries, giving her a broad perspective on managing large workforces during periods of change.
Supporting Kroger’s Next Phase of Growth
Kroger CEO Greg Foran said De Martino’s experience leading large-scale people organizations made her a strong fit for the company’s next chapter.
According to the company, De Martino plans to begin her new role by visiting stores, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and offices across the country to better understand Kroger’s operations and engage directly with associates.
The approach aligns with Kroger’s long-standing emphasis on maintaining a people-first culture while continuing to modernize its business.
Building on an Established Foundation
De Martino succeeds Tim Massa, who helped shape Kroger’s workforce strategy during a period marked by digital transformation, changing consumer expectations, and evolving labor markets.
Her appointment represents both continuity and a new phase of leadership as Kroger continues investing in talent development and organizational effectiveness.
The company employs more than 400,000 associates and serves approximately 11 million customers each day through its nationwide grocery operations and e-commerce platforms.
Leadership as a Competitive Advantage
As retailers continue investing in technology, automation, and digital capabilities, leadership in human resources has become increasingly important.
Companies are placing greater emphasis on attracting talent, developing leadership, improving employee engagement, and preparing workforces for ongoing operational change.
By appointing De Martino, Kroger is reinforcing the role of people leadership as a core part of its long-term business strategy while positioning the organization for continued growth in an evolving retail landscape.