The initial certificates were developed exclusively for Kroger’s Emerging Leaders Program. Over the next 10 months, participants will engage in half-day sessions led by expert instructors from all over the world in topics including data analysis;
data visualization; spreadsheet modeling; financial valuations; giving and receiving feedback; conflict resolution; negotiation; creative problem-solving; and delivering presentations.
“We are excited to offer innovative programming that ensures lifelong learning and gives rising stars the tools they need to advance in their companies,” said Dr. Natasha Munshi, dean of the Rubel School. She was joined at the event by Ann
Reed, Kroger Louisville Division president and a member of the
Rubel School of Business Executive Board.
Kroger selected just 10 participants from across the division, based on aptitude, leadership potential and initiative. They are:
- District 1: Bradley Foreman, store manager
- District 2: Carla Hurst, store manager
- District 3: Kirby Crosley, store manager
- District 4: Sarah Barnes, store manager
- District 5: Jennifer Stout, assistant store manager
- District 7: Jessica Gonzalez, assistant store manager
- Merchandising: Eric Hilton, Grocery, DSD inspired selling specialist
- Retail Operations: Helen Beeuwkes, front end operations
- Produce Merchandising: Angie Wilson, produce field specialist
- Jay C: Alex Nicholson, store manager
The group’s first session, on Data Analysis and Interpretation, will be held on Aug. 11 at Kroger’s Louisville headquarters. The instructor is Dr. Yung-Jae Lee, dean of the Barowsky School of Business and a professor of Operations Management
and Business Analytics at Dominican University of California.
He holds an MBA and Ph.D. in Operations & Decision Technologies from the University of California, Irvine. His research interests include data analysis, inventory management, supply-chain management, and social business models. He has taught at UC-Irvine
and the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and has consulted with companies such as Roche, McKesson, Abbot, Lucky, Varian and Disneyland.