Kroger names former Walmart exec as CEO

Ending a nearly year-long search, the supermarket giant named former Walmart executive Greg Foran as chief executive officer, effective Monday, Feb. 9. He succeeds Ron Sargent, who served as interim CEO of Kroger since March 2025, after the abrupt departure of longtime CEO Rodney McMullen for an undisclosed ethics violation.

Foran joined Walmart in 2011, where he held a series of senior positions across the company’s international footprint, including president and CEO of Walmart China (2012–2014) and Walmart Asia (2014). From 2014 to 2019, he was president and CEO of Walmart U.S.

As head of Walmart U.S, Foran is credited with accelerating the company’s digital capabilities, introducing online ordering and pick up and driving meaningful retail media results. During his tenure, the retailer delivered positive comparable sales growth for 20 consecutive quarters.

Most recently, Foran served as CEO of Air New Zealand where he led an end-to-end digital transformation to improve the customer experience and make the business more agile. He departed the company in October 2025.

“Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution, and lead high-performing teams,” said Sargent. “His leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit for Kroger. The board is confident Greg is the right leader to guide Kroger into its next chapter.”

Sargent will continue to serve as chairman of the board, ensuring a smooth leadership transition. The company will provide an additional update on the leadership transition during its March 5 earnings call.

“Kroger is one of the most dynamic companies in retail,” stated Foran. “The company is built on a strong foundation, supported by a talented leadership team, and caring associates who are dedicated to the customers and communities they serve. At this moment in Kroger’s journey, I can honestly say this is the best job on the planet. I look forward to working with the board and the entire team to build on this momentum, continue raising the bar for customers, and deliver long-term value for customers, associates, and shareholders.”

Based in Cincinnati, The Kroger Co. operates approximately 2,800 stores under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market and Mariano’s.