Kroger Names Greg Foran as New CEO

Sargent to remain as chairman, support leadership transition

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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US grocery retailer Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as its new CEO, effective immediately. Foran, who previously served as president and CEO of Walmart US and more recently led Air New Zealand, will also join Kroger's board of directors. Ron Sargent, who has been serving as interim CEO since March 2025, will continue as chairman of the board and is expected to support the leadership transition.

Why it matters

Foran's appointment comes at a critical time for Kroger as the company looks to build on recent momentum, enhance the customer experience, and deliver long-term value. His extensive experience in senior retail management roles, including his success in driving digital upgrades and operational improvements at Walmart, make him well-suited to lead Kroger through the next phase of its growth.

The details

Foran brings over four decades of senior management experience across five countries. During his time as president and CEO of Walmart US from 2014 to 2019, he expanded online ordering and collection services, delivered positive comparable sales for 20 consecutive quarters, and managed more than 4,600 stores and around one million employees. More recently, he led Air New Zealand through the pandemic, overseeing a company-wide digital program and navigating supply chain pressures and fleet investment decisions.

  • Foran was appointed as Kroger's new CEO effective immediately on February 10, 2026.
  • Sargent has served as Kroger's interim CEO since March 2025.

The players

Greg Foran

Newly appointed CEO of Kroger, with over four decades of senior management experience across five countries, including serving as president and CEO of Walmart US from 2014 to 2019 and most recently as CEO of Air New Zealand.

Ron Sargent

Continuing as chairman of Kroger's board of directors after serving as the company's interim CEO since March 2025.

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What they’re saying

“At this moment in Kroger's journey, I can honestly say this is the best job on the planet. I look forward to working with the board and the entire team to build on this momentum, continue raising the bar for customers, and deliver long-term value for customers, associates, and shareholders.”

— Greg Foran (yahoo.com)

“Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution, and lead high-performing teams. His leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit for Kroger.”

— Ron Sargent, Chairman, Kroger (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

Kroger's appointment of Greg Foran as its new CEO signals the company's commitment to building on its recent momentum, enhancing the customer experience, and driving long-term value. Foran's extensive experience in senior retail roles, including his success in driving digital and operational improvements at Walmart, positions him well to lead Kroger through its next phase of growth.