MATTHEW, NC - A monumental shift is occurring at the Kroger Company’s Harris Teeter banner as a long-standing leader at the company has announced their retirement. After 22 years of service to the retailer, President Rod Antolock has revealed he will be retiring come February 1, 2022. Stepping up to man the helm will be Tammy DeBoer, Harris Teeter’s current Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Operations, and Marketing.

Backed by over 25 years of retail experience, DeBoer will succeed Antolock when he retires at the start of next year, according to a release from the retailer. She joined Harris Teeter in 2020 and has been leading operations, merchandising, and marketing as well as overseeing the company’s 258 stores across seven states and Washington, D.C.

Before coming to Harris Teeter, she served as an executive at Family Dollar, a subsidiary of Dollar Tree, most recently holding the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. Prior to that, DeBoer spent 19 years at Delhaize, holding various leadership roles in merchandising and operations. She also led the company through acquisitions and the introduction of pilot stores.

DeBoer has been listed as a “Top Female Executive in the Grocery Industry” by the Griffin Report, one of the “50 Most Influential Women in Charolotte” by Mecklenburg Times, and has received a myriad of recognitions from other organizations.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Technology from Appalachian State University and completed the Supermarket Business Executive course with Cornell University.

“Tammy is a seasoned veteran of the retail industry. Her broad and deep experience, including brand transformation, merchandising, operations, and more, make her a true asset to Harris Teeter and the leading choice to assume the role of President,” said Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger’s Senior Vice President of Operations.

DeBoer will be taking over the role of President from Rod Antolock, a role which he has held since 2015.

Throughout his tenure with Harris Teeter, starting in 2000, Antolock has served in numerous executive positions, including Senior Vice President of Operations and Senior Vice President of Operations and Merchandising.

Antolock was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2012, where he led several teams, including merchandising, operations, marketing, human resources, loss prevention, store development, quality assurance and distribution, and manufacturing. Prior to joining Harris Teeter, Antolock served in various leadership roles for Albertsons from 1978–2000.

During his time at Harris Teeter, Antolock also led the development of the company’s “Service Excellence” customer engagement model as well as introduced new ways of operating, including a new urban upscale model, expanded store format, and model store walk concept.

Under Antolock’s leadership, the retailer also expanded into multiple new markets, including Northern Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and Delaware.

“Rod’s leadership has been instrumental to the growth and success of Harris Teeter for more than two decades. His commitment to customer service and quality will continue to guide Harris Teeter into the future,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Best wishes to Tammy DeBoer and Rod Antolock as they make these career changes.

Harris Teeter