• January 19, 2007

A major-brand marketing veteran will join one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains in a new position--that of vice president of corporate brands.

Linda Severin, current vice president of marketing at ConAgra Foods in Chicago, will join Kroger Co. on Jan. 29 and will lead the company's corporate brands team. She has held leadership positions at Campbell's, Dean Foods, Sara Lee and Rand McNally.

Kroger operates nearly 2,500 supermarkets and department stores in 31 states under 24 local banners. Its corporate brands are a key part of the company's growth, Kroger said. The company's three-tier program--private selection, banner and value brands--enables Kroger to serve a broad and diverse customer base.

"Linda's passion for translating what customers tell us they want into quality products and getting them on store shelves--at the right price--will enable us to expand what we offer our customers today," Kroger said in a statement. "We look forward to her expertise in leading our corporate brands strategy."