Kroger appoints ex‑Walmart executive Greg Foran as CEO

Kroger named former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its chief executive after a year‑long search following Rodney McMullen's removal; Foran most recently led Air New Zealand and previously ran Walmart U.S.

Kroger has named Greg Foran as its chief executive, concluding a year‑long search that followed the removal of longtime CEO Rodney McMullen last March. The board removed McMullen after a probe found his personal conduct was inconsistent with company policies. Foran is from New Zealand and led Air New Zealand until October 2025. He also served as president and CEO of Walmart U.S. from 2014 to 2019. Key details: - Kroger named Greg Foran as CEO after a year‑long search and the departure of Rodney McMullen, who was removed in March following a board investigation that found his personal conduct inconsistent with company policies. - Foran is a New Zealand native and served as chief executive of Air New Zealand for about five years until October 2025. - Between 2014 and 2019, Foran was president and CEO of Walmart U.S., during which Walmart reported 20 quarters of comparable sales growth. - Kroger is described in reports as facing weak consumer spending for essentials and growing competition from rivals, including Walmart. - McMullen led Kroger for about 11 years; under his tenure the company's valuation more than tripled, and Kroger abandoned a two‑year attempt to acquire Albertsons for US$25 billion that McMullen had supported. Media reports said Kroger shares were up about 6 percent in premarket trading after the appointment was reported. Summary: Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as CEO amid ongoing pressure from soft consumer spending and intensified retail competition. Analysts quoted in coverage said his track record at Walmart U.S. gives him credibility for store operations. Undetermined at this time.