The Kroger Co. has named Sonya Hostetler president of the Nashville division, effective Aug. 1. She succeeds Zane Day, who previously announced his plans to retire from the company after nearly 45 years of service.
“We’re pleased to welcome Sonya to the Kroger family of companies,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger’s EVP and COO. “Sonya is a well-respected leader in the retail industry who’s innovative and strategic. She will help us to continue to redefine the grocery customer experience and develop talent, accelerating our Restock Kroger vision in the Nashville market.”
Hostetler spent the previous 30 years with Walmart Inc., where she began as an hourly associate and excelled to hold key leadership positions in retail, asset protection, human resources and operations. Most recently, Hostetler served as VP, regional general manager based in Dallas, Texas. In this role, she led 13 markets, 122 stores and 45,000 associates.
She also has served as an influential leader during her tenured career in the positions of corporate VP of asset protection and safety; VP, regional general manager based in Bentonville, Arkansas; senior director, divisional loss prevention; senior people director, health and wellness human resources; and store manager.
Hostetler has served on the boards for the Arkansas Rice Depot, a local food bank, and North Texas Food Bank. She also has volunteered with the Children’s Miracle Network, Race for the Cure and American Heart Association.
Kroger’s Nashville division includes 91 stores across Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama and Southern Kentucky. Kroger is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
