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On a noteworthy Monday, Kroger announced the appointment of Greg Foran, a former executive from Walmart, as its new Chief Executive Officer. This decision arrives nearly a year after the sudden departure of Kroger’s previous CEO, marking a pivotal shift in leadership.
Greg Foran is no stranger to the competitive retail landscape. During his six-year tenure heading Walmart’s U.S. division, he spearheaded significant advancements, notably in digital innovations and online shopping solutions. His leadership was instrumental in expanding Walmart’s capabilities in online ordering and in-store pickup, setting a high bar in the retail industry.
As the largest standalone supermarket chain in the United States, Kroger faces fierce competition, particularly from retail giants like Walmart. With 2,731 stores and a workforce of 409,000, Kroger holds about 8.5% of the U.S. grocery market. In comparison, Walmart commands a substantial 21% market share, as per data from the market research firm Numerator. The growing trend of consumers purchasing groceries alongside other essentials at superstores has intensified this rivalry.
In an effort to bolster its position in the market, Kroger had proposed merging with Albertsons in 2022. The aim was to strengthen its competitive edge against formidable players like Walmart and Costco. However, the merger faced significant hurdles when the Federal Trade Commission, along with the states of Washington and Colorado, challenged it in 2024. They argued that the merger could potentially lead to higher prices and reduced wages by stifling competition. Ultimately, judicial decisions prevented the merger from moving forward.
Stepping into this new role, Foran replaces Ron Sargent, who had been serving as Kroger’s interim CEO following the resignation of Rodney McMullen. McMullen, who had held the CEO position since 2014, stepped down after an investigation into his personal conduct, which, while unrelated to business matters, breached the company’s ethics policy. As Kroger moves forward, Foran’s leadership will be under keen scrutiny as he navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Sargent will continue to serve as Kroger’s chairman to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
“Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution and lead high-performing teams,” Sargent said in a statement. “His leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit for Kroger.”
Foran most recently served as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he also improved digital capabilities, led negotiations with the airline’s union and guided it through the pandemic.
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