Last updated on March 2nd, 2015 at 08:57 am
The Kroger Co. on Friday announced its succession plan for the company’s SVP of human resources position, as Kathleen Barclay, 59, plans to retire from the role in the fall.
Timothy Massa, 48, Kroger’s group VP of human resources and labor relations, will succeed Barclay in leading these functions after her retirement.
Barclay joined Kroger in 2010 in her current position. During her time at Kroger, she has strengthened the HR function to more strongly support and connect the company’s family of associates with Kroger’s growing and changing business, Kroger says.
Before joining Kroger in 2010, Barclay served as the VP of global human resources for the General Motors Corp. During her time with GM, she led the automaker’s global human resources organization with a strong focus on building the company’s strategic HR capability worldwide while focusing on building a strong footprint in emerging and growth markets.
“Katy has been a champion for our associates and a driving force for innovation in our human resources function,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “We deeply value her leadership and advice as a key member of our leadership team. We wish Katy and her family all the best.”
Barclay is a member of the board of directors of American Family Insurance. She serves as chair of the National Academy of Human Resources and is a board member of the Human Resource Policy Association. Barclay earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Michigan State University and an MBA at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also serves on the boards of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Massa joined Kroger in 2010 as VP of corporate human resources and talent development. In April 2014, he was promoted to his current role, which included expanded responsibility for labor relations.
Prior to joining the company, he served in various human resources leadership roles for 21 years at Procter & Gamble. He has an extensive global HR generalist background in leadership development, succession planning, performance management, strategy development, employee relations and engagement.
“Tim is an exceptional human resources leader and a trusted advisor to our entire senior management team,” said McMullen. “His depth of HR experience, fluency with our business and unwavering commitment to our associates make him a perfect fit for this important role.”
Massa earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Dayton. He is a member of the College of Mt. St. Joseph board of trustees, the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank board of trustees and the University of Dayton Champions and Scholars Program. He also received a Future HR Leaders accreditation from Cornell University.
