CINCINNATI — Mary Ellen Adcock has been promoted to group vice president of retail operations at The Kroger Co.

The food and drug retailer said Wednesday that Adcock, currently vice president of operations for Kroger’s Columbus division, assumes the new position on May 16. She succeeds Marnette Perry, whose retirement was previously announced.

“Mary Ellen brings to her new role a strong track record of success leading teams across our business, including manufacturing, operations and merchandising. She is the right leader to help shape our vision for store operations as we continue investing to grow,” Rodney McMullen, chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Mary Ellen will be a great addition to our senior leadership team.”

Adcock joined the company’s Country Oven Bakery in Bowling Green, Ky., in 1999. She held several leadership positions of increasing responsibility in Kroger Manufacturing, including vice president of deli/bakery manufacturing in Kroger’s general office in 2009. She was named vice president of merchandising for Kroger’s Columbus division in 2014.

Overall, Kroger operates in 2,778 retail food and multi-department stores, including 2,231 pharmacies, in 35 states and the District of Columbia under a range of banners, such Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, Harris Teeter, Pick N’ Save, Copps, Metro Market, Mariano’s and Fred Meyer.