Kroger names George Vincent as new secretary and general counsel

CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR), a $48.2 billion market cap retailer with "GOOD" financial health according to InvestingPro analysis, announced Tuesday that George Vincent will join the company as secretary and general counsel, effective August 4, as part of a planned leadership transition. The company’s stock is currently trading near its 52-week high of $74.11.

Vincent comes to Kroger from Dinsmore & Shohl, where he served as managing partner from 2007 to 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw the firm’s expansion and led strategic initiatives while managing more than 750 lawyers licensed across 35 states and the District of Columbia.

Christine Wheatley, Kroger’s current executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary, will retire on September 1 after serving in the general counsel role since 2014. She joined the company in 2008.

"George is a widely respected attorney and a trusted advisor to a wide range of companies and boards of directors," said Ron Sargent, Chairman and CEO of Kroger, in a press release statement.

Vincent brings significant legal experience, having counseled national and international businesses on strategic growth. His career includes recognition in "Best Lawyers" publications and "America’s Leading Lawyers for Business" for nearly two decades.

Beyond his legal practice, Vincent has served as board chair for various organizations including the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati Museum Center, and Cincinnati Art Museum.

Vincent holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School.

Kroger employs more than 400,000 associates across its family of companies and serves over 11 million customers daily through its retail food stores and eCommerce platforms. The company generates annual revenues of nearly $147 billion and maintains strong profitability metrics. For deeper insights into Kroger’s financial health and growth prospects, including additional ProTips and comprehensive analysis, visit InvestingPro, where you’ll find detailed research reports and expert commentary.

In other recent news, Kroger Co. announced a 9% increase in its annual dividend, raising it from $1.28 to $1.40 per share. The next quarterly dividend of 35 cents per share is scheduled for September 1, 2025. UBS raised its price target for Kroger to $74.00 from $66.00, citing improved execution and a positive trend in identical store sales excluding fuel. Similarly, Morgan Stanley increased its price target to $76.00, noting Kroger’s accelerating top-line growth and market share gains. Telsey Advisory Group also raised its price target to $82.00, highlighting Kroger’s strong execution in fresh and own brand assortments, loyalty programs, and digital capabilities. Barclays initiated coverage on Kroger with an Equalweight rating and a price target of $90.00, expressing optimism about the company’s post-deal refocus. These developments reflect a series of positive assessments from analysts regarding Kroger’s recent performance and strategic initiatives.

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