New external corporate communications director joins the Kroger team.

The Kroger Co. welcomes Keith Dailey as director of external corporate communications.

In his new role, Dailey will be responsible for national media corporate communications, and will serve as the company’s spokesperson.

Dailey served as communications director and was senior staff member for former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. He is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University.

“Keith has a wealth of experience and talent and we’re very pleased that he is joining the Kroger family,” said Lynn Marmer, group vice president, corporate affairs.

Kroger operates 2,458 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. The company also operates 786 convenience stores, 361 fine jewelry stores, 1,014 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S.