Following a life-long career in the grocery industry, Ron Tacker, executive vice president of operations for Food City’s Knoxville division has announced plans to retire from the company, effective March 1st. 

“Ron has been a valuable asset to our company, the grocery industry, his colleagues, and the entire Knoxville community.  His service in this critical role has enabled our company to significantly advance and improve our store operations and customer service initiatives. We certainly wish him and Debbie all the best for a well-deserved retirement and more time to spend with family and friends,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.

Tacker began his career in the grocery business at an early age, working for a large national grocery chain during high school.  At the young age of 21, he was promoted to assistant store manager and worked in retail locations in urban, rual and large metropolitan areas, enhancing his grocery and management skills.  Tacker became a store manager at age 25 and was promoted to district manager within five years.  He later advanced to a number of senior level positions, including vice president of retail operations, vice president of retail merchandising, and division vice president for two large retail chains. Tacker joined the Food City team in 2017 as executive vice president of operations for their Knoxville division.  Since that time, he has been responsible for the oversight of store operations for 50 Food City locations, their accompanying pharmacy and fuel centers, and 1 wine and spirits store. Throughout his career, Tacker has maintained a strong passion for identifying and developing talent, sucession planning, and promotion from within company ranks. 

Tacker is also active within the community, having served in a leadership capacity for several charitable/civic boards and industry associations, including Easter Seals and DECA. He attended Southwestern University in Waxahachie, TX and has completed numerous private industry training programs. A native of Arizona, Tacker and Debbie, his lovely wife of 48 years currently reside in Maryville, TN.  They are the proud parents of one son and two grandchildren and are passionate about their faith and family.  Tacker’s personal moto is “Right Always Wins”.

Katie Penny will assume the role of executive vice president of operations for Food City’s Knoxville division upon Tacker’s retirement. Food City would like to thank Tacker for his dedicated service and outstanding commitment to the company, their customers and associates, and the communities they serve and wish him and his lovely wife Debbie all the best in this new chapter of their lives. 

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 152 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.