Greg Foran, the former head of Walmart U.S., has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Kroger, effective immediately. The move comes after a year-long search for a new leader for the supermarket giant, following the resignation of Rodney McMullen in March 2025 due to a violation of the company’s ethics policy. Ron Sargent, who served as interim CEO during the search, praised Foran as a “highly respected operator” with the skills to lead Kroger through a challenging retail landscape.
Foran’s appointment marks a significant shift for Kroger, America’s largest standalone supermarket chain, as it navigates increasing competition from Walmart, Costco, Amazon, and discount retailers like Aldi. Walmart currently controls approximately 21% of the U.S. Grocery market, significantly outpacing Kroger’s 8.5% share, according to market research firm Numerator.
The new CEO brings a wealth of experience in the retail sector. He served as President and CEO of Walmart U.S. From 2014 to 2019, a period during which he spearheaded the introduction of online ordering and pickup services, and accelerated the company’s digital capabilities. During his tenure, Walmart U.S. Achieved 20 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth while managing over 4,600 stores and a workforce of one million associates.
Prior to his role at Walmart, Foran held leadership positions at Walmart Asia and Walmart China. His career began at Woolworths in his native New Zealand, where he started as a shelf-stacker at age 17 and progressed to managing a supermarket by the age of 20.
Most recently, Foran served as Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand from 2020 to 2025, where he oversaw a comprehensive digital transformation aimed at enhancing the customer experience and improving business agility. He guided the airline through the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on operational resilience and navigating complex union negotiations and supply chain challenges. He also oversaw fleet upgrades during his five-year tenure.
Kroger’s search for a new CEO began after McMullen’s unexpected departure. Sargent’s interim leadership provided stability while the board sought a leader capable of reinvigorating Kroger’s value proposition and addressing investor concerns that have driven down the company’s stock price over the past year.
The appointment comes as Kroger continues to grapple with the fallout from its failed merger attempt with Albertsons. In 2022, Kroger proposed a merger with Albertsons as a strategy to bolster its competitive position against larger rivals. However, the Federal Trade Commission and two states – Washington and Colorado – filed lawsuits in 2024 to block the merger, arguing that it would lead to higher prices and reduced wages. The courts ultimately sided with the plaintiffs, preventing the merger from proceeding.
Kroger, which operates over 2,700 stores and employs more than 400,000 associates, faces the ongoing challenge of adapting to evolving consumer preferences and a rapidly changing retail environment. Foran’s experience in both traditional retail and digital transformation is expected to be crucial as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the market.
“Kroger is one of the most dynamic companies in retail,” Foran said in a statement. “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.”
Sargent echoed this sentiment, stating that Foran’s leadership style, customer focus, commitment to employees, and disciplined execution make him the ideal candidate to lead Kroger into its next phase of growth.
