King Kullen Announces Three Executive Promotions

King Kullen recently promoted (left to right) Frank Vassallo, Chris La Bella, and Andrew Wasserman.

Hauppauge, New York — May 22, 2026…King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. (Hauppauge, NY) has announced the promotion of three executives. The promotions are as follows:

Frank Vassallo has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Store Operations. Vassallo, who previously served as Vice President of Store Operations, has made significant contributions to King Kullen throughout his 36-year career with the company. He will report to King Kullen Senior Vice President, Company Operations, Tracey A. Cullen. As part of his expanded role, Vassallo will provide leadership for the Vice President of Perishables, Vice President of Pharmacy, Director of Security, and Store Reset Personnel. Widely respected for his commitment to operational excellence, Vassallo is recognized as a trusted and effective leader within the organization.

Chris La Bella has been promoted to Senior Director of Merchandising and Project Management. La Bella, who joined King Kullen 13 years ago and most recently served as Director of Center Store Merchandising and Procurement, will also report to Cullen. In his expanded role, he will oversee merchandising functions, support the development of the company’s weekly advertising circular, and measure promotional effectiveness. La Bella will also partner on value strategy, pricing, assortment planning, and vendor management initiatives while assuming project management responsibilities across the organization. He is a fourth-generation member of the Cullen family.

Andrew Wasserman has been promoted to Director of Center Store Merchandising and Procurement and will continue to report to La Bella. Previously serving as a buyer, Wasserman will oversee the day-to-day operations of the grocery buying department, including procurement, vendor management, assortment planning, promotional execution, inventory coordination, and the development of new programs. The company’s grocery buyers will report to Wasserman, who began his career at King Kullen in 2025.

“Frank, Chris, and Andrew each bring tremendous experience, dedication, and leadership to their roles,” said Cullen. “These promotions reflect the important contributions they have made to our company and our confidence in their ability to continue excelling in their expanded responsibilities. We congratulate all three on these well-deserved promotions.”

Headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as America’s first supermarket.