Celebrating a Legacy: Valerie Jabbar Retires After 38 Years with Kroger

A Journey of Dedication: Valerie Jabbar's Retirement from Kroger

In May 2026, Valerie Jabbar, the Senior Vice President of Retail Divisions for The Kroger Co., announced her retirement after an extraordinary 38 years in the company. Jabbar's career began in 1987 when she joined Kroger's Fry's division as a store clerk. Over the decades, she ascended through various leadership roles, demonstrating her exceptional ability to lead and innovate.

Rising Through the Ranks

Jabbar's path to success is a remarkable story of growth and dedication. Starting as a clerk, she took on responsibilities that saw her evolve into positions such as district manager and eventually, division president of Ralphs. In 2021, she was appointed to her current role, where she continued to influence the grocery industry significantly. Her journey is often highlighted as a prime example of what can be achieved through hard work and commitment at Kroger.

During this time, Jabbar has been pivotal in shaping teams and developing future leaders. Ron Sargent, Chairman of The Kroger Co., praised her contributions, stating, "Val's journey from store clerk to senior vice president is a testament to what's possible at Kroger." This sentiment echoes the core values of the company, emphasizing leadership, community building, and professional development.

Recognized Leadership

Jabbar's influence extends beyond Kroger, as she has gained recognition within the grocery sector. Her accolades include being named the 2018 Women Executive of the Year by The Shelby Report and being honored twice as one of Progressive Grocer's Top Women in Grocery. These awards underline her leadership capabilities and her contributions to advancing women in the workforce.

Furthermore, Jabbar has been an active member of various boards, such as the Salvation Army, WAFC, and NextUp. Her involvement on these boards highlights her dedication to community service and advocacy, particularly for women's issues in the workplace. As an executive sponsor of Kroger’s Women’s Edge and KePasa Associate Resource Groups, she played an instrumental role in supporting diversity and inclusion within the company.

Looking Forward

As Jabbar embarks on this next chapter of her life, she carries with her a legacy of remarkable achievements and enduring influence. Kroger, with over 400,000 associates serving millions of customers daily, benefits immensely from the values and dedication that leaders like Jabbar have instilled in its culture.

In celebrating her retirement, Kroger acknowledges not just her professional achievements, but her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. This ethos aligns with Kroger’s broader mission of creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities, dedicated to uplifting the human spirit through food.

Valerie Jabbar's departure marks the end of an era, yet her impact on Kroger and the grocery industry will certainly resonate for years to come. She and her family are wished the very best for the future, as she steps into a well-deserved retirement. Her legacy will inspire countless associates to pursue their passions, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

A Lasting Impact

Kroger’s dedication to its purpose, “To Feed the Human Spirit™,” continues to thrive, fueled by dedicated leaders like Jabbar. As the company prepares for new leadership, it remains committed to upholding the values that have been championed through her tenure, ensuring that the impact of Valerie Jabbar’s leadership will continue to shape the future of Kroger and the industry at large.