King Kullen Grocery Co. Inc. has named Tracey Cullen president and chief operating officer. Cullen’s appointment follows the retirement of Joseph W. Brown, whose 53-year career with the company included the past five years as president and COO.
Cullen is the great-granddaughter of King Kullen founder Michael J. Cullen and the daughter of former King Kullen Co-President Brian C. Cullen. She most recently served as senior vice president of company operations. The announcement was made by Cullen’s uncle, King Kullen Chairman James A. Cullen Jr., following the company’s annual board of directors meeting.
“This is a special day for the King Kullen organization as Tracey takes the helm of the company founded by her great-grandfather 96 years ago,” James Cullen says. “Over the years, my niece has taken on leadership roles of increasing responsibility and has played an important part in helping shape the company’s future. As King Kullen’s first female president, her appointment represents an important milestone for our company and reflects the respect she has earned throughout the organization. Everyone at King Kullen joins me in congratulating Tracey on this well-deserved appointment.”
James Cullen also extends his gratitude to Brown, stating, “We thank Joe for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to King Kullen. His contributions have been immeasurable, and his legacy will remain an important part of our company’s history.”
A resident of Amityville, N.Y., Tracey Cullen began her career at King Kullen in 2010. She serves on the company’s board of directors and its executive committee, as well as the board of directors and executive committee of Long Island Cares and the board of directors of the Long Island Association.
“It is an incredible honor to assume this role at a company that has meant so much to my family for four generations,” she says. “Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the values that continue to define King Kullen, including hard work and a deep commitment to the communities we serve across Long Island. I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon that tradition, which dates back nearly a century. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Joe Brown for his guidance and support over the years. Joe’s knowledge of this company and dedication to its people have left a lasting impact on everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.”
Prior to joining King Kullen, Tracey Cullen practiced as an attorney in the New York office of a prominent national labor and employment law firm. A graduate of Boston College, she received her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Headquartered in Hauppauge, N.Y., King Kullen was founded in 1930 and is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as America’s first supermarket.
