Kroger Brings in Walmart Veteran Greg Foran as Its New CEO

Kroger (one of the biggest grocery store chains in the U.S.) has finally chosen Greg Foran as its new CEO (Chief Executive Officer) on Monday. Interestingly, the company spent a good year searching for its new leader and found a former Walmart executive (Greg Foran). His success at Walmart is believed to follow Kroger, as many place confidence in his ability to turn around any struggling business. 

Kroger sees him as a perfect match to compete with its biggest rival, Walmart (of course). Upon his arrival, the interim CEO of Kroger will step aside and serve as board chairman. After the news made headlines, Kroger’s stock rose by 6% in premarket trading on Monday. What's so big about Greg Foran's success? What happened to Rodney McMullen (the former CEO of Kroger)? For all that, learn more.

Why Does Kroger Think Greg Foran Is the Right CEO?

Greg Foran is from New Zealand and has been CEO of Air New Zealand for about five years (until October 2025). He is popularly known for his work at Walmart. He is credited with fixing and improving Walmart’s U.S. operations. In his leadership, Walmart achieved 20 straight quarters (5 years) of comparable sales growth. Such success is what Kroger hopes for. It is apparently facing challenges with increased competition (especially from Walmart). Therefore, Greg Foran's role will be vital.   

Background on Rodney McMullen’s Exit From Kroger?

Kroger’s former CEO, Rodney McMullen, who ran the company for 11 years, got into hot water and was ousted in March last year. Despite the negatives, Kroger’s stock value more than tripled during his tenure.

The board launched an internal investigation and found that his personal behaviour did not follow some company policies. Therefore, the company had to let him go. Ronald Sargent, the company’s lead director, was appointed interim CEO immediately afterwards. Sargent was the CEO of Staples (who led the company for a good decade).

Final Thoughts…

Many global retailers are changing their CEO at the moment. Many blame tariff pressures, volatile consumer spending, and economic uncertainties. Kroger, on the other hand, has been in search for a year now. Finally, the company hired Greg Foran, hoping to address weak consumer spending and intense competition. Let's see what happens next. For more updates, keep in touch.