"Mike's extensive industry experience will help Kroger continue to build and strengthen our partnerships with suppliers and vendors that are so important to our success," says president and chief operating officer Rodney McMullen. "He is well respected within our company and the industry for his merchandising ­excellence." Shaffer, who reports to Kroger chairman and chief executive officer David Dillon, had been vice president of retail operations for Kroger's Cincinnati/Dayton division. He began his career in 1988 and has held various leadership positions in the company.