We all know that innovation is the lifeblood of any industry — including the grocery business — so where better to discover new ideas, policies and practices than among the crop of younger leaders currently rising through the ranks at their respective organizations?

Anyone who reads about the current GenNext class can’t fail to be impressed by their passion, dedication, talent, ability to spot trends, perseverance, ingenuity and, perhaps most crucially, outstanding leadership qualities, all of which have enabled them to achieve so much so early in their careers. Another heartening observation is how many of them are paying their expertise and positivity forward by actively mentoring and developing the generation of potential leaders that will eventually succeed them.

Join Progressive Grocer in celebrating this year’s GenNext Award honorees profiled below. With upcoming leaders of this caliber, the future success of the grocery industry is assured.

SVP of Research Science, The Kroger Co./84.51°

Age: 35

Cron helped rebuild 84.51° and Kroger’s research and development capabilities, structuring the innovation groups to operate as risk-adjusted portfolios accountable for delivering a targeted return. In his first year in this role, his teams delivered an 11-fold return on investment. Cron works closely with emerging leaders and consistently presents opportunities for them to be challenged and grow. He also serves as a board member with Last Mile Food Rescue and has helped the organization navigate technology partner engagement hurdles to find the best way to achieve its goal of solving hunger in Cincinnati.

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