Kroger named Lynn Gust as president of its Fred Meyer Stores divisions, putting Gust in charge of the company he started his career at as a parcel clerk in 1970.

Gust has been the senior vice president of operations at Fred Meyer since 2011. The division, based in Portland, Ore., has 133 stores in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

"Lynn's long history with Fred Meyer and deep knowledge of our business will serve our customers well," said Rodney McMullen, president and chief operating officer of Kroger, in a news release announcing the move. "His passion for our employees and customers make him a great fit to carry on the Fred Meyer tradition."