Kroger CEO Dillon’s pay plunges nearly 19 percent in year company’s profit dropped

Kroger CEO’s pay falls 19 percent in 2009

CINCINNATI — An Associated Press analysis shows Kroger Co. Chairman and CEO David B. Dillon’s compensation fell nearly 19 percent in 2009 as the nation’s largest grocery chain’s growth slowed.

Dillon’s pay package totaled $6.71 million, down from $8.25 million in 2008.

Kroger’s profit plunged and sales slowed in 2009, and the Cincinnati-based chain Kroger has said it’s now focused on building loyalty among cash-strapped shoppers, in part with promotions and discounts.

The AP’s executive pay calculation, based on a regulatory filing, aims to isolate the value the company’s board placed on the CEO’s total compensation package. The figure includes salary, bonus, incentives, perks and the estimated value of stock options and awards.