Kroger Names Prominent Cincinnati Attorney as General Counsel

The Kroger Co. has announced that George Vincent will join the company as its Secretary and General Counsel, effective August 4.

Vincent, a partner at Cincinnati-based Dinsmore & Shohl, was previously the firm's managing partner from 2007 to 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw significant expansion and led many strategic initiatives. He also served as chairman of the firm's first board of directors, overseeing more than 750 lawyers licensed in 35 states and the District of Columbia, supporting clients across the United States with complex legal challenges.

The well-known Cincinnati attorney has advised national and international businesses on strategic growth. Vincent has received multiple 'Best Lawyers' distinctions and has been named to 'America's Leading Lawyers for Business' for nearly 20 years. He has also served as board chair for various civic and business organizations, including the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati Museum Center, and Cincinnati Art Museum.

"George is a widely respected attorney and a trusted advisor to a broad range of companies and boards of directors," said Ron Sargent, Chairman and CEO of Kroger. "He has decades of experience helping businesses grow and managing complex regulatory environments. We look forward to welcoming George to the Kroger family."

Vincent is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School.

Meanwhile, Kroger's EVP, General Counsel, and Secretary Christine Wheatley plans to retire on September
1. Wheatley joined Kroger in 2008 and has served as General Counsel and Secretary since 2014.

During her tenure, Wheatley was a senior advisor on the Kroger Leadership Team and secretary of the company's board of directors, overseeing the company's legal and compliance functions.

"We thank Christine for her many years of dedicated service," added Sargent. "Christine has been a passionate advocate for our associates and provided outstanding guidance to our leadership team over the years. We wish Christine, her husband Bryan, and their family well in this next chapter."

Additional leadership updates include EVP of Growth and Development Christina Minardi, who discusses her formative experiences at the natural food retailer;
Kelly Dilts, who resigned from a discount retailer to join a luxury company's C-suite; and Karla Waddleton, a 20-year veteran promoted to operations chief. Also, attorney McGrath has taken on the CEO role. The company has made key executive transitions following its new CEO's appointment.