Kroger Continues CEO Search as Rivals Name New Leaders

The nation's second-largest grocer has been searching for a new CEO for nearly a year after its previous leader's abrupt resignation.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:47pm

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Kroger, the Cincinnati-based grocery giant, has been searching for a new CEO for almost a year after the supermarket chain's top executive abruptly resigned following an internal ethics investigation in March 2025. While Kroger's interim CEO Ron Sargent has received positive reviews, the company has struggled to find a permanent replacement, unlike rivals Walmart and Target who have recently named new CEOs from within their organizations.

Why it matters

Kroger's inability to quickly name a new CEO raises concerns about the company's leadership pipeline and its ability to compete with rivals like Walmart and Target, which have successfully transitioned to new CEOs. The prolonged search also creates uncertainty about Kroger's future strategy and direction.

The details

Kroger's previous CEO, Rodney McMullen, resigned abruptly in March 2025 following an internal ethics investigation. The company's board has been searching for a replacement since then, working with a national search firm to identify "several very highly-qualified candidates." However, Kroger's interim CEO Ron Sargent, a 70-year-old board member and former Staples CEO, has admitted the process won't be completed until the first quarter of 2026, indicating the search has been challenging.

  • Kroger's previous CEO Rodney McMullen resigned in March 2025.
  • Walmart's new CEO John Furner, 51, took over on February 1, 2026.
  • Target's new CEO Michael Fiddelke, 48, also took over on February 1, 2026.

The players

Ron Sargent

Kroger's 70-year-old interim CEO and former Staples CEO, who is leading the search for a permanent replacement.

Rodney McMullen

Kroger's previous CEO who abruptly resigned in March 2025 following an internal ethics investigation.

John Furner

Walmart's new 51-year-old CEO who took over on February 1, 2026.

Michael Fiddelke

Target's new 48-year-old CEO who took over on February 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I think they're having a hard time finding someone. I think Ron has done a good job, but they need to bring in fresh blood.”

— Scott Mushkin, Analyst, R5 Capital

“Companies' boards should treat CEO succession as a continuous responsibility rather than an episodic one. ... At large public companies, that usually means one or two credible internal candidates. The board should not be starting from zero if a transition becomes sudden – there should be a name in the envelope.”

— Larry Cunningham, Director, Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance, University of Delaware

“An interim CEO turns leadership uncertainty into strategic breathing room. Appointing an interim CEO is a strategic choice, not a stopgap measure.”

— Joe Schloetzer, Business Professor, Georgetown University

What’s next

Kroger plans to announce its new permanent CEO in the first quarter of 2026, indicating the search process may not be completed until March or even May.

The takeaway

Kroger's prolonged CEO search highlights the challenges large companies can face in finding the right leader, especially when they lack a strong internal succession plan. The company's inability to quickly name a new CEO contrasts with the smooth transitions at rivals Walmart and Target, raising questions about Kroger's leadership and its ability to compete effectively in the rapidly evolving grocery industry.