Chris Hjelm, The Kroger Co.

Executive Vice President and CIO

Chris Hjelm Biography

Chris Hjelm is Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer for The Kroger Co. He is responsible for managing the company’s nationwide network of Information and Technology Systems, including systems used in retail stores, manufacturing plants, distribution centers and offices, as well as Research & Development. He also oversees 84.51°, Aviation, Corporate Travel, Indirect Sourcing, and the Check Recovery Center.

Chris earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and an honorary Ph.D. from Colorado Technical University. Before joining Kroger in 2005, Chris was CIO of Cendant’s Travel Distribution Services. He also served as senior vice president for technology at eBay Inc., executive vice president at Excite@Home, and senior vice president and CIO at Federal Express Corp.

He serves on the board of directors for Kindred Healthcare, a public company that provides acute care rehabilitation services. 

Chris and his wife, Karen, live in Cincinnati and enjoy travel and golf with their three children and growing family.  He has a particular passion for food and is an aspiring amateur chef.