Grocery retail
10 Kroger IT leaders
These ten current and former Kroger technology leaders include Kroger's Group Vice President and Chief Information Officer alongside vice presidents and directors of technical strategy, infrastructure, network services, mobility and collaboration, and store transaction systems. A reader can learn how CIOs lead technology organizations in grocery retail businesses.
Professionals to explore
01—10Ernest Leffler
LinkedInExperience: Director Of Technology · Kroger
Former Director Of Technology at Kroger (2017–2021); the profile says Leffler provided IT thought leadership across the infrastructure and technology sourcing functions. Former VP Technology and Data Operations at 84.51 (2015–2017) and former VP GM Cincinnati at Peak 10 + ViaWest (2008–2012).
Hans Broder
LinkedInExperience: Director of Infrastructure Operations · Kroger
Former Director of Infrastructure Operations at Kroger (2019–2020), and Senior Director of Platform Engineering at Kroger since September 2020. Former Director of Enterprise Technology at Harris Teeter (2015–2019) and former Director of Infrastructure at Belk (2014–2015); the profile cites more than sixteen years of infrastructure experience.
Jay Blanchet
LinkedInExperience: Director, Mobility & Collaboration · Kroger
Director, Mobility & Collaboration at Kroger since January 2022; the profile says the role provides leadership and strategic vision for the Mobile Device and Collaboration Engineering organization and contributes to the enterprise mobile architecture. Former Vice President of Infrastructure and Operations at 84.51˚ (2011–2022).
Jim Clendenen
LinkedInExperience: Group Vice President & Chief Information Officer · Kroger
Group Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Kroger since October 2025, a C-level role according to the profile. Former VP of Enterprise Retail Systems at Kroger (2017–2025), former Chief Information Officer at Harris Teeter (2008–2017) and former Chief Information Officer at Bashas' (2004–2008).
Lou Leonardo
LinkedInExperience: Director Digital Technology · Kroger Technology & Digital
Director Digital Technology at Kroger Technology & Digital since February 2019. Former Senior Manager, Global eCommerce Technical Operations at Walmart (2013–2018) and former Senior Director, Technical Operations at Live Nation Entertainment (2012–2013); the profile cites expertise in maintaining 24/7 system availability.
Mark Stiver
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director of Data Platforms · Kroger Technology & Digital
Sr. Director of Data Platforms at Kroger Technology & Digital since October 2025, a director-level role according to the profile. Former Director, Information and Solution Architecture (2022–2025) and former Director, Principal Solution Architect (2021–2022) at Kroger Technology & Digital, and former Senior Architect at LexisNexis (2011–2018).
Mike Huffsteder
LinkedInExperience: Director of Technology - Transact Engineering and Operations · Kroger
Director of Technology - Transact Engineering and Operations at Kroger since September 2025; the profile headline lists point-of-sale, fuel, in-store payments and AML solutions. Former Senior Advanced Software Engineering Manager - POS Engineering and Operations (2018–2025) and former Infrastructure Engineering Manager - Enterprise Endpoint Lifecycle Management (2013–2018) at Kroger.
Naveed Farooqui
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director - Network Services · Kroger
Senior Director - Network Services at Kroger since February 2021; the profile headline describes the role as Senior Director Infrastructure at Kroger Technology. Former Director Network and Telecommunications at TransUnion (2016–2021) and former Manager Network Engineering at TransUnion (2011–2015).
Ryan Kean
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Technical Strategy and Operations · Kroger
Former Vice President, Technical Strategy and Operations at Kroger (2020–2021), former Vice President, Technical Strategy and Architecture at Kroger (2017–2020) and former Vice President, Digital Technology at Kroger (2017). Chief Information Officer at Total Quality Logistics since October 2021.
Stephanie Jenkins
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Strategic Planning & Operations, Technology & Digital · Kroger
Vice President, Strategic Planning & Operations, Technology & Digital at Kroger since January 2021, and former Vice President Strategic Partnerships, Technology & Digital at Kroger (2019–2021). Former VP Partnership Development at 84.51˚ (2017–2019) and former Director, Business Operations and Planning at 84.51˚ (2015–2016).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's scope to your question, since infrastructure and network leaders know the shared platforms behind stores and offices while strategy and planning leaders see how the technology organization sets priorities. Check each role's dates so you know whether the person's view of Kroger IT is current or from an earlier period.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How does a large grocery retailer keep store networks and point-of-sale systems reliable across thousands of locations?
- 02What does it take to run infrastructure and platform engineering for a retailer with stores, warehouses and digital channels?
- 03How should a retail technology organization plan and prioritize its portfolio across business partners?
Reaching Kroger IT leaders
How can I contact one of these Kroger IT leaders?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 2 companies: Kroger and Kroger Technology & Digital, based on profile data retrieved on October 5, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach Kroger IT leaders?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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