Kroger appoints former Walmart executive Greg Foran as CEO
Shares rise following announcement as company seeks to strengthen its position against Walmart.
USA – Kroger has appointed Greg Foran, a former Walmart executive, as its chief executive officer, filling the role 11 months after the abrupt resignation of Rodney McMullen.
Foran previously led Walmart’s U.S. operations for six years, overseeing initiatives such as online ordering and curbside pickup while expanding the retailer’s digital services.
During his tenure, Walmart increased its use of automation and artificial intelligence, transforming into a technology-driven retail competitor that poses a growing challenge to Kroger.
Following the announcement, Kroger shares increased by 6% in premarket trading on Monday.
The grocery chain faces pressure as Americans increasingly purchase food alongside general merchandise at Walmart, which currently holds about 21% of the U.S. grocery market, compared with Kroger’s 8.5%, according to Numerator.
In an effort to compete, Kroger proposed a merger with Albertsons in 2022, but the deal was blocked in 2024 after the Federal Trade Commission and the states of Washington and Colorado filed lawsuits citing concerns that it would reduce competition, increase prices, and lower wages.
Ron Sargent, who has been Kroger’s interim CEO since McMullen’s resignation, will remain chairman to manage the transition period.
McMullen stepped down in March 2025 following an investigation into personal conduct that violated Kroger’s ethics policy, though the issue was unrelated to the company’s operations.
Sargent described Foran as a skilled operator familiar with managing large retail operations, emphasizing customer service, workforce management, and operational execution.
Before joining Kroger, Foran served as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he advanced the airline’s digital systems, negotiated with unions, and guided the company through the challenges of the pandemic.
Analysts note that Foran’s experience at both Walmart and Air New Zealand positions him to address Kroger’s competitive pressures from Walmart, Costco, and other large retailers while improving store and digital operations.
Kroger’s leadership change comes as the company seeks strategies to retain market share in an increasingly technology-driven retail environment dominated by larger competitors.
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