Kroger appoints Yael Cosset as chief digital officer

CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), currently trading near its 52-week high at $66.88 and showing strong momentum with a 33% gain over the past six months, has established a new eCommerce business unit aimed at enhancing the online shopping experience for customers. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears slightly undervalued based on its Fair Value metrics, suggesting potential upside as it makes this strategic move. Yael Cosset, the current senior vice president and chief information officer, is taking the helm as the executive vice president and chief digital officer with immediate effect.

In his expanded role, Cosset will continue to manage Kroger’s technology and data sectors while also overseeing the newly formed eCommerce division. "Accelerating Kroger’s eCommerce growth is a top priority," stated Ron Sargent, Kroger’s Chairman and CEO. He added that Cosset’s role as the architect of Kroger’s digital strategy positions him to further streamline the shopping process for customers seeking fresh and affordable food options.

Under Cosset’s leadership, Kroger’s eCommerce sales reached a significant milestone of $13 billion in 2024, contributing to the company’s impressive $147.1 billion in total revenue. His tenure as SVP and CIO saw a technology transformation that simplified operations for associates, enabling them to dedicate more time to customer service. The company’s investments under his guidance have led to a more personalized and convenient shopping experience across both physical stores and online platforms, providing customers with relevant choices, quality, and value within Kroger’s seamless ecosystem. With a healthy 22.7% gross profit margin and strong dividend history, including 19 consecutive years of dividend increases, Kroger demonstrates robust financial management alongside its digital innovation.

Cosset also heads Kroger’s Alternative Profit portfolio, which includes businesses such as the insight and media subsidiary 84.51°, Kroger Personal Finance, and the retail media business Kroger Precision Marketing. His previous roles within the company include group vice president and chief digital officer, where he spearheaded digital growth strategies and eCommerce expansion, as well as chief commercial officer and chief information officer of 84.51° since its creation in 2015.

This move by Kroger reflects the company’s commitment to growing its digital and online retail presence, a crucial area of focus for the grocery sector. With an EBITDA of $7.76 billion and a market capitalization of $44.2 billion, Kroger stands as a prominent player in the Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail industry. For detailed insights into Kroger’s financial health, growth prospects, and more than 10 additional ProTips, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro. The information for this article is based on a press release statement from The Kroger Co. and InvestingPro data.

In other recent news, Kroger Company reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, which revealed an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.14, surpassing the projected $1.11. However, the company did not meet revenue expectations, reporting $34.3 billion compared to the anticipated $34.75 billion. Despite this revenue shortfall, Kroger’s digital and delivery sales exhibited significant growth, highlighting the company’s successful shift towards e-commerce. Guggenheim maintained its Buy rating on Kroger stock with a $71 price target, citing confidence in the company’s strategic initiatives and operational momentum.

Evercore ISI adjusted its price target for Kroger to $73, down from $75, but upheld an Outperform rating, emphasizing the company’s stable market share and expansion in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margins. Jefferies also reiterated a Buy rating for Kroger, maintaining a $75 price target, following the company’s strong fourth-quarter performance. The firm noted Kroger’s ability to sustain volume sales amid inflationary pressures as a positive indicator. Kroger’s management projects same-store sales growth of 2-3% for fiscal year 2025, factoring in an expected inflation rate of 1.5% to 2.5%.

These developments reflect a cautiously optimistic outlook for Kroger as it navigates market challenges and inflationary pressures.

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