Kroger Set to Name Former Walmart Executive Greg Foran as Next CEO

Kroger Company (NYSE: KR) is reportedly preparing to appoint former Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT) executive Greg Foran as its next chief executive officer, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter. The announcement is expected as early as Monday, bringing an end to Kroger’s nearly yearlong search for a permanent CEO following the departure of longtime leader Rodney McMullen.

McMullen stepped down amid an undisclosed ethics violation, leaving the U.S. grocery giant under interim leadership during a period of heightened competition and shifting consumer behavior. Since his exit, Kroger has been led by chairman Ron Sargent, who has focused on cost reductions, aggressive promotions, and operational discipline to protect market share in a challenging retail environment.

Kroger, the largest U.S. grocer by sales after Walmart, has been actively seeking an external candidate capable of bringing a fresh strategic perspective. The company is navigating pressure from inflation-weary consumers who are increasingly price sensitive, while also facing intense competition from discount grocers, big-box retailers, and online food delivery platforms. The search for a new CEO gained urgency after Kroger’s proposed $20 billion merger with rival Albertsons collapsed in 2024, forcing the company to rethink its long-term growth strategy.

Greg Foran brings extensive retail leadership experience that aligns closely with Kroger’s current priorities. During his tenure at Walmart from 2014 to 2019, Foran led a significant turnaround of Walmart’s U.S. operations. His efforts emphasized improvements in fresh food offerings, in-store execution, employee wages, and the rapid expansion of online grocery services, helping Walmart strengthen its competitive position against both traditional grocers and e-commerce players.

After leaving Walmart, Foran served as chief executive officer of Air New Zealand, guiding the airline through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His experience managing large, complex organizations through periods of disruption is seen as a key asset as Kroger works to control food-price inflation, improve efficiency, and expand its store footprint.

If confirmed, Foran’s appointment would mark a pivotal moment for Kroger as it looks to stabilize leadership, sharpen its competitive edge, and position itself for sustainable growth in an evolving grocery retail landscape.