NATION

Kroger Co. President William G. Kagler has resigned over personal differences in managing the Cincinnati-based food retailing company, Kroger announced Monday.

Kagler, 54, was forced to quit, the Cincinnati Post reported Monday, quoting unidentified sources within Kroger.

The Post quoted Kagler, president since January, 1983, as having told friends that his plans for running the company were stymied by Lyle Everingham, Kroger’s chairman and chief executive.

In a statement released by the company, Kagler said he was leaving because of personal differences over its management. He submitted his resignation Friday at a meeting of Kroger’s board.

Replacing Kagler is Joseph Pichler, 47, a Kroger director who is president of Dillon Cos., a supermarket chain in Kansas that was acquired by Kroger in 1983.

Kagler was not available for comment on Monday.