Former Kroger Exec Tapped by Albertson’s

Albertson’s Inc., the No. 2 U.S. grocer, tapped a former executive of No. 1 Kroger Co. as chief financial officer, filling a job open since May.

Felecia Thornton, 37, had been group vice president of retail operations at Kroger until December, when she went to work as a consultant with a Los Angeles real estate firm. Thornton previously was group vice president of finance and administration for Ralphs Grocery Co., which Kroger bought in May 1999 as part of its Fred Meyer acquisition.

Thornton replaces Craig Olson, who resigned a month after Albertson’s named Lawrence Johnston chief executive.

Shares of Boise, Idaho-based Albertson’s fell 33 cents to $33.17 on the NYSE.