Appointment Announcement
A former top executive from rival grocery giant Walmart has been named the next chief executive officer of Kroger.
Greg Foran, who previously served as CEO of Walmart's U.S. division, will now lead Kroger after the company conducted an extensive year-long search for an innovative retail leader with a strong track record, as announced on Monday.
Kroger stands as America's biggest grocer by sales, trailing only Walmart, and has been in need of new leadership since March 2025, when former CEO Rodney McMullen was removed over an undisclosed ethics violation.
Kroger is one of the most dynamic companies in retail. 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.
Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution, and lead high-performing teams.
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.
Foran's Background and Experience
Foran worked for Walmart between 2014 and 2019, where he is credited with managing and turning around more than 4,600 stores while introducing digital ordering and pickup services. Under his leadership, Walmart recorded 20 consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth.
After leaving Walmart, the 64-year-old New Zealand native served as CEO of Air New Zealand, a role he held until October.
Market Reaction and Recent Company Developments
In reaction to the news, Kroger shares were up about 5% shortly after the opening bell.
Following McMullen’s removal and prior to Foran’s arrival, Kroger focused on cutting costs across operations, eliminating about 1,000 jobs and closing dozens of stores in recent months. Interim CEO Ron Sargent stated that the reviewed areas were not meaningful to the company’s future growth and that closing the stores would make the company more efficient.
Kroger’s total company sales were $33.9 billion in the third quarter of 2025, up from $33.6 billion during the same period last year. The company attributed the performance to strength in fresh food and e-commerce, helping sales hold steady.
