Kroger Selects Turnaround Veteran Greg Foran as First External CEO

2026-02-09 companies

Cincinnati, Monday, 9 February 2026.
Breaking with tradition, Kroger appoints former Walmart U.S. chief Greg Foran as its first external CEO, leveraging his turnaround expertise to navigate a competitive retail landscape.

A Strategic Shift in Leadership

The Kroger Co. (KR) officially appointed Greg Foran as its new Chief Executive Officer on Monday, February 9, 2026, marking a significant departure from the company’s traditional internal succession strategy [3][4]. Foran, 64, assumes the role effective immediately, becoming the first outsider to lead the Cincinnati-based supermarket giant in its history [6][7]. He succeeds Ron Sargent, who had served as interim CEO since March 2025 following the abrupt resignation of former CEO Rodney McMullen [3][6]. The market responded favorably to the appointment of the seasoned executive, with Kroger shares rising approximately 6% in premarket trading on Monday [1].

Resolving a Year of Uncertainty

This appointment concludes an extensive search process that began nearly a year ago when the company’s board ousted McMullen [1]. The former CEO’s departure was precipitated by a board investigation which determined his personal conduct was “inconsistent” with specific company policies [1][2]. Since that time, Ron Sargent, a board member and former Staples CEO, guided the company through the transition [6]. Sargent will now resume his duties as Chairman of the Board to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities [1]. In a statement regarding his new position, Foran described the role as “the best job on the planet,” emphasizing his enthusiasm for the retailer’s potential [3][4].

Operational Expertise from a Key Rival

Foran’s selection signals a focus on operational discipline, drawing on his substantial experience with Kroger’s primary competitor, Walmart (WMT) [1]. From 2014 to 2019, Foran served as president and CEO of Walmart’s U.S. operations, where he was widely credited with executing a successful turnaround [1][2]. His strategy focused heavily on improving existing store standards, inventory discipline, and fresh food operations [5]. Under his leadership, Walmart’s U.S. unit reported positive comparable sales growth for 20 consecutive quarters [2][3]. Analysts believe this track record provides him with “instant credibility” as he takes the helm at Kroger [1].

Global Crisis Management Experience

Following his tenure at Walmart, Foran served as CEO of Air New Zealand from February 2020 until October 2025 [2]. His time in the aviation sector was defined by navigating complex crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic which severely impacted global travel [2]. During this period, he also managed operational hurdles such as the grounding of aircraft and persistent shortages of engine components [2]. This blend of large-scale U.S. retail management and crisis leadership is viewed by the board as the “perfect fit” for guiding Kroger through its next chapter [3].

Navigating Competitive and Economic Headwinds

Foran steps into the role as Kroger faces a challenging economic environment characterized by “choppy” consumer spending and potential tariff pressures [1]. The company is also working to stabilize its strategic direction following the collapse of its attempted $25 billion acquisition of Albertsons [1]. That merger, which was strongly backed by McMullen, was intended to bolster competition against giants like Walmart and Amazon but was ultimately abandoned [1]. Industry commentary suggests Foran’s immediate priorities may need to include modernizing the supply chain and addressing technology partnerships, such as the company’s relationship with Ocado Group [5]. Kroger has announced that further updates on the leadership transition will be provided during its earnings call scheduled for March 5 [3].

Sources

Kroger Greg Foran