Kroger Names Ex-Walmart Exec Greg Foran as New CEO After Search
- Grocery giant Kroger on Monday named former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its chief executive, concluding a year-long search following the departure of Rodney McMullen last March.
- The appointment comes as Kroger navigates a challenging retail landscape marked by weak consumer spending and increased competition, particularly from Walmart and other discount retailers.
- Foran, who served as CEO of Air New Zealand until October 2025, previously held the position of president and CEO of Walmart U.S.
Kroger Appoints Former Walmart Executive Greg Foran as CEO
Grocery giant Kroger on Monday named former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its chief executive, concluding a year-long search following the departure of Rodney McMullen last March.
The appointment comes as Kroger navigates a challenging retail landscape marked by weak consumer spending and increased competition, particularly from Walmart and other discount retailers.
Foran, who served as CEO of Air New Zealand until October 2025, previously held the position of president and CEO of Walmart U.S. From 2014 to 2019. During his tenure at Walmart, he was credited with a significant turnaround of the U.S. Business, achieving 20 consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth.
“He brings instant credibility to Kroger after his demonstrated success turning around Walmart U.S. Store operations,” said Evercore ISI analyst Michael Montani.
Kroger’s board had appointed lead director Ronald Sargent as interim CEO during the search for a permanent replacement for McMullen. Sargent will remain board chairman to facilitate a smooth transition.
McMullen’s exit followed a board investigation that found his personal conduct was “inconsistent” with company policies. His departure also came after Kroger abandoned a two-year effort to acquire Albertsons for $25 billion, a deal he had strongly advocated for as a means to combat rising prices and enhance competition.
The union group had previously called for McMullen’s removal, alleging he was attempting to “distract attention from his multiple failures as CEO” with a proposed shareholder payout.
Despite the challenges, Kroger’s stock price rose approximately 6% in premarket trading on Monday following the announcement of Foran’s appointment. The company also reaffirmed its fiscal year 2025 forecast.
Under McMullen’s leadership of approximately 11 years, Kroger’s stock valuation had more than tripled.
Foran’s arrival at Kroger presents an opportunity to reinvigorate the company’s value proposition to shoppers and address investor concerns amid a rapidly evolving grocery industry.