Kroger Names Greg Foran CEO

Kroger Co. (KR) named Greg Foran chief executive effective Feb. 9, 2026, in a company press release at 7:30 a.m. ET. The former Walmart U.S. chief joins the board as Kroger seeks operational improvements to drive growth amid competition and tighter consumer budgets.

Kroger Leadership Transition

Foran, 64, succeeds Ron Sargent, who served as interim CEO since March 2025 and remains chairman of the board. The appointment ends a nearly year-long search following Rodney McMullen’s resignation in March 2025 after a board investigation found his personal conduct violated Kroger’s Policy on Business Ethics.

Foran’s Retail Experience and Company Context

Foran led Walmart U.S. from 2014 through 2019, overseeing about 4,600 stores, 1.5 million employees, and more than $300 billion in annual revenue. He delivered 20 quarters of comparable-sales growth driven by store execution, fresh food, and online grocery. Before joining Kroger, he was chief executive of Air New Zealand until October 2025 and previously led Walmart’s Asia operations after starting his career at Woolworths New Zealand.

Kroger operates 2,731 stores and employs roughly 409,000 people. It held an 8.5% share of U.S. grocery sales in the third quarter of 2025, compared with Walmart’s 21% share. The company faces challenges from competition, the need to expand digital offerings, and cash-strapped customers.

Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons, valued between $20 billion and $24.6 billion, was blocked by federal and state antitrust authorities in 2024. Related litigation continues, with a trial scheduled for October 2026.

The hire signals a focus on operational improvements—store execution, fresh assortment, and online grocery—rather than near-term mergers and acquisitions as Kroger aims to boost sales after leadership changes and the blocked deal.