Kroger CIO Yael Cosset To Lead Its Data Analytics Subsidiary
Yael Cosset, senior VP and chief information officer of The Kroger Co., is taking the helm of the company’s alternative business profit portfolio and 84.51˚, its data analytics subsidiary.
He will also continue to lead Kroger’s Technology & Digital.
Cosset was named group VP and chief digital officer in 2017, where he led the company's overall digital growth strategy, e-commerce expansion and Vitacost business. He became senior VP and CIO last year, assuming responsibility for Kroger Technology.
He’s also previously served as chief commercial officer and chief information officer of 84.51° and has been a member of its advisory board for the last three years. Prior to Kroger, Cosset held several leadership roles at Dunnhumby, including executive VP of consumer markets, global CIO, and CEO of enterprise software provider KSS Retail.
"Yael will continue to play an essential role in accelerating our grocery-to-growth business model," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO, in a statement. "His exemplary leadership, vision and customer-first obsession to make people's lives easier using technology and data will help us to create more personalized and engaging shopping experiences and drive more trips."
Cosset is taking the role held by Stuart Aitken, who’s replacing the retiring Joe Grieshaber as Kroger’s new chief merchant and marketing officer. Grieshaber is retiring on Aug. 15 after more than 37 years in the role.
Aitken was named a group VP five years ago and has led 84.51˚ as CEO since its inception in 2015. He will be responsible for sales, pricing, planning, promotions, execution, analytics, e-commerce and digital merchandising, and Our Brands. He’s also retain responsibility for marketing.
"Today's leadership announcements are consistent with our positive track record of strong succession planning and will help us to continue to drive transformation of our business and culture, focusing on speed, action and agility to deliver value for our customers and shareholders," said McMullen. "We are greatly appreciative of the unique talents and contributions that each of these leaders has provided to Kroger to create a best-in-class experience for our associates and customers."
Kroger grabbed the No. 5 spot on RIS News’ recent ranking of the Top 100 Retailers. While its overall retail share took an almost imperceptible dip, it grabbed 36% of the grocery segment share, giving the chain the top spot.
With sales skyrocketing as a result of COVID-19, Kroger’s multi-year “Restock Kroger” digital transformation implementation is paying off at an opportune time.
