After 44 years with The Kroger Co.’s Smith’s President Jay Cummins plans to retire on April 29, 2016. His successor will be announced at a later date.
Cummins began his Kroger career as a clerk in 1972 in Huntington Beach, California. In the following years, he served in positions of increasing responsibility in store and district management and in grocery merchandising for the company’s Food 4 Less. In 2004, he was named president of the Food 4 Less division. Cummins was named president of the Mid-Atlantic division in 2007 before assuming his current role in 2014.
Cummins currently serves on the board of the Western Association of Food Chains and is a champion for the Retail Management Certificate.
“Working with Jay Cummins is an honor. He is a key supporter of the Retail Management Certificate and we will miss his energy and enthusiasm. I’ll never forget traveling with him to three states to promote the Retail Management Certificate Program to his employees. He is always encouraging his employees to pursue their certificate,” said Cherie Phipps, WAFC – Director, Retail Management Certificate.