The Kroger Co., one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States, is set to appoint Greg Foran as its next chief executive officer, ending a prolonged search for permanent leadership. The decision comes after a year-long process following the departure of Kroger’s former CEO over conduct concerns.
New Leadership After a Turbulent Period
According to people familiar with the matter, Kroger plans to name Foran, a seasoned retail executive with experience leading Walmart’s U.S. operations and most recently serving as CEO of Air New Zealand, will serve as its next CEO as soon as Monday. This will mark a major leadership shift for the U.S. grocery giant, which operates thousands of stores under multiple banners nationwide.
Foran is expected to take the helm as Kroger addresses ongoing challenges such as food-price inflation, competition from discount grocers, and the need to reinvigorate customer engagement. During his time at Walmart, he helped drive sales growth across U.S. stores, focusing on fresh food and operational improvements. His tenure at Air New Zealand also saw him steer the airline through pandemic-era disruptions.
Background on Kroger’s Leadership Gap
Kroger has been without a permanent CEO since long-time leader Rodney McMullen resigned in 2025 following a board investigation into his personal conduct, which was deemed inconsistent with company policy. Since then, Ronald “Ron” Sargent has served as interim CEO and board chairman while the company conducted its executive search.
The leadership transition is expected to bring fresh direction to Kroger’s strategy, which includes balancing cost pressures, expanding private-label offerings, and competing with rivals such as Walmart and discount supermarkets. Analysts expect Foran’s global executive experience to be an asset as Kroger adapts to shifting consumer behaviour and retail challenges.
What Investors and Markets Are Watching
Kroger’s board and investors will be watching closely for insights into Foran’s priorities and how he plans to drive growth amid a competitive landscape. The appointment arrives as the company continues to pursue cost-cutting measures and operational efficiencies to stay competitive in the U.S. grocery sector.
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