The Kroger Co. has named Michael J. Stoll CEO of The Little Clinic, the Cincinnati-based retailer’s wholly owned in-store health clinic subsidiary, and elevated Theresa Monti to the VP/corporate benefits post, Stoll’s former position.

“The Little Clinic is an essential part of Kroger’s commitment to health and wellness for all of the customers we serve,” noted David B. Dillon, Kroger’s chairman/CEO. “Mike’s extensive experience in health care benefits and customer insight will guide us as we continue to look for innovative ways to build on the shared expertise in our clinics and our stores.”

Stoll brings 34 years of experience with Kroger in corporate benefits, human resources management and store operations to his new role. In his most recent position as VP/corporate benefits, Stoll played a key role in developing the health care strategy and pension plans for Kroger’s 334,000 full- and part-time associates. A graduate of the College of Wooster with a bachelor's degree in economics, Stoll is a member of Anthem’s Customer Advisory Group, co-chair of the Merrill Lynch Customer Advisory Board, and a member of Kroger’s Retirement Management, Pension Investment and 401K committees.

“Our customers have told us that health and wellness, along with rising health care costs, are among their top concerns,” said Stoll. “The Little Clinic locations inside Kroger’s family of stores make accessing quality health care services easy and affordable for our customers and associates.”

The relationship between Kroger and The Little Clinic began in 2003, when Kroger opened its first Little Clinic in a Kroger store in Louisville, Ky. Kroger acquired The Little Clinic in February 2010.

Succeeding Stoll is Theresa Monti, who was promoted to VP/corporate benefits. Prior to her promotion, Monti was director of corporate health and welfare benefit programs for Kroger. In her new role, Monti will lead the development, implementation and administration of policies and strategies for company-sponsored health, welfare and retirement benefit plans. Prior to joining Kroger in 1999, Monti, a graduate of Indiana University, held national account management positions with both Kaiser Permanente and Prudential Health Care.

“Theresa is an experienced leader who understands the value of working collaboratively with our partners to achieve the best outcome,” said Kathleen Barclay, Kroger’s SVP/human resources. “Kroger spends more than $1 billion a year on health care. Under Theresa’s leadership, we will continue to focus on providing high-quality, affordable health care for our associates and their families.”

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., The Little Clinic is a pioneer in convenient, affordable health care and wellness education. The Little Clinic health care centers are located inside select Kroger stores, including Fry’s in Arizona, King Soopers in Colorado and Kroger stores in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, operates 2,468 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names, including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.