Smith’s Food and Drugs Promotes New Merchandising VP: What Shoppers Should Know

Who Is Jordan Poff and Why Does This Matter

Poff’s career trajectory illustrates the opportunities available within the Kroger organization. He joined Kroger in 2005 as a courtesy clerk in the Cincinnati/Dayton division and steadily advanced through various roles over two decades. Most recently, he served as vice president of retail operations at Smith’s, a position he assumed in the middle of 2025 after gaining extensive experience across multiple divisions within the parent company.

His background includes significant involvement in digital initiatives. In 2020, Poff played a key role in planning and launching Kroger’s first Grocery Pickup Center, demonstrating his ability to lead innovation projects that directly impact how shoppers access their groceries. This experience with e-commerce operations positions him well to handle the merchandising responsibilities that await him in his new role.

What Bryan Sant’s Retirement Means

Bryan Sant is stepping down after a 40-year career with Smith’s Food and Drugs. According to Poff’s own statement about the transition, Sant’s influence extended well beyond typical business metrics. His leadership shaped the division’s culture and approach to serving customers across the Western states where Smith’s operates.

Sant’s long tenure underscores the stability that has characterized management at this Kroger banner. Shoppers have benefited from consistent merchandising strategies and operational consistency developed over decades. As Smith’s transitions to new leadership, the company is betting that Poff can maintain and build upon this foundation while bringing fresh perspectives to the role.

The Scope of Smith’s Food and Drugs

Smith’s operates approximately 145 stores across seven Western states, making it a significant player in regional grocery shopping. The merchandising vice president role is critical to determining which products are stocked, how they are displayed, and what promotions are offered to attract shoppers. Changes in merchandising leadership can eventually ripple through the shopping experience, from product selection to pricing strategies.

Poff’s move from retail operations to merchandising represents a logical career progression that builds on his operational knowledge. A strong understanding of retail operations gives him insight into how merchandising decisions affect store performance and customer satisfaction.

What This Means for Your Shopping Experience

For customers at Smith’s locations, this transition should largely be seamless. Poff is an internal hire with deep knowledge of Smith’s systems and culture, which typically leads to continuity rather than disruption. He will not need to spend months learning the basics of how Smith’s operates or understanding its customer base.

The promotion also suggests that Kroger remains committed to investing in the Smith’s banner as a distinct brand. Rather than bringing in outside talent, the company chose to develop its own people, indicating confidence in the division’s strategic direction. This approach often results in more stable merchandising decisions because the new leader already understands the market dynamics that Smith’s faces.

Shoppers may notice improvements in areas where Poff’s e-commerce experience becomes relevant. His work on the Grocery Pickup Center shows he understands how to balance traditional in-store shopping with digital convenience. As merchandising vice president, he could potentially influence how Smith’s integrates online and offline shopping strategies, such as making sure product availability aligns across channels.

When the Change Takes Effect

The transition occurs September 1st, 2026, giving Smith’s time to ensure a smooth handover from Sant to Poff. During the remainder of August, Sant will be wrapping up his final month after four decades of service. Poff will officially assume the merchandising responsibilities starting the first day of September.

This timing allows for adequate overlap and knowledge transfer, which benefits both the company and shoppers. Clear transitions in leadership tend to prevent sudden shifts in merchandising philosophy or product availability that can frustrate customers.

For shoppers at Smith’s Food and Drugs, this executive change represents a continuation of stability with an infusion of fresh perspective. Poff’s background in innovation and digital operations may eventually introduce new ways for customers to shop, while his deep roots in the Kroger family ensure he understands the company’s values and customer expectations.