Kroger to Name ex-Walmart CEO Greg Foran as Chief Executive
Synopsis
Kroger is preparing to name Greg Foran, former CEO of Walmart’s U.S. division and Air New Zealand, as its next chief executive. The decision follows the removal of longtime CEO Rodney McMullen in 2025 and months of leadership transition. Foran brings decades of experience managing large retail and operational networks. His appointment signals Kroger’s focus on strengthening operations and staying competitive against major rivals like Walmart and Amazon. The company is expected to confirm the leadership change soon as it moves forward under new management leadership.
Kroger is set to hire a former Walmart U.S. CEO, Greg Foran, as its new chief executive. This is projected to happen after the longtime CEO, Rodney McMullen, steps down in 2025, following claims by the company that his own behaviour was not up to standard internally. Ronald Sargent, who has been serving as interim CEO since then, has Kroger conducting a formal search to identify a permanent leader.
The development was first reported by WSJ.
Leadership Reset After McMullen’s Exit
When McMullen left, Kroger was left without a permanent chief executive for months. The board started considering internal and external candidates since it sought an individual who had good experience in operations. Hiring a new executive, such as Foran, is an indication that the company has decided to take a new step in its leadership by hiring an outsourced executive.
Sargent has been at the helm of the company in the transition period, as continuity was maintained as the search process continued.
The most notable period of Foran was the time he worked as the CEO of the U.S. business of Walmart, the largest division of the retailer, between 2014 and 2019. Walmart posted stable, similar sales growth during his time in office, which was backed by the progress in the store operations and customer services.
His background involves supervision of chains of stores, supply chains and functioning in the highly competitive retail markets. This history is in line with the main grocery business of Kroger.
In 2020, Foran left Walmart and was appointed to be the CEO of Air New Zealand. He was the head of the airline during one of the hardest times related to the disruptions of the pandemic and operational issues. He stepped down from that role in October 2025.
Appointment Comes Amid Rising Competition in Grocery Sector
Kroger is a company that competes in a very competitive environment and is under the pressure of Walmart, Amazon, Costco and discount grocery stores. The changing customer spending patterns and continuous pressure on costs have also influenced the sector.
It is expected that Foran would assist Kroger in concentrating on store performance and efficiency, as well as long-term stability, due to his operational experience. His experience in both retail and other complicated industries is an indicator that he has dealings with leading large organisations over time.
Kroger is supposed to officially declare the appointment of Foran in the near future. When this is proven, he will replace interim CEO Ronald Sargent and assume control of the company operations and strategy.
His short-term priorities will probably be to consolidate day-to-day operations, sales momentum, and to make sure that Kroger stays competitive in the changing grocery market.
Key Highlights
- Kroger plans to appoint former Walmart U.S. CEO Greg Foran as chief executive
- Leadership search began after CEO Rodney McMullen’s removal in 2025
- Foran brings experience from Walmart and Air New Zealand leadership roles
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
