Kroger Names Former Walmart Exec as New CEO

Greg Foran takes over as Kroger faces inflation, competition, and fallout from failed Albertsons deal.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Kroger, the Cincinnati-based supermarket giant, has named former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Foran, 64, steps in as Kroger confronts stubborn food inflation, stiffer competition from discounters like Aldi and Walmart, and the fallout from its failed $20 billion bid for Albertsons.

Why it matters

Foran's appointment comes at a critical time for Kroger as it navigates a challenging retail landscape. His experience reviving Walmart's US business and leading Air New Zealand through the pandemic could prove valuable as Kroger looks to sharpen its offerings, improve operations, and win over budget-conscious shoppers.

The details

Foran, who previously ran Walmart's US business from 2014 to 2019, is credited with reviving the retailer's performance by sharpening fresh-food offerings and improving store operations and appearance. He also introduced online ordering and pickup. Colleagues have described Foran as a demanding but fair, detail-focused leader who regularly inspected stores, quizzed employees, and scrutinized produce and meat quality.

  • Foran's appointment as Kroger's new CEO is effective immediately.
  • Foran led Walmart's US business from 2014 to 2019.
  • Foran led Air New Zealand through the pandemic until stepping down in October 2024.

The players

Greg Foran

A 64-year-old former Walmart executive who has been named the new CEO of Kroger.

Rodney McMullen

The former longtime CEO of Kroger who resigned over an undisclosed ethics violation.

Ron Sargent

The current chairman of Kroger and former CEO of Staples, who has been serving as interim leader and has aggressively cut costs and consolidated the company.

Kroger

A Cincinnati-based supermarket giant that generated $147 billion in revenue in its latest fiscal year.

Walmart

Kroger's biggest rival, where Foran previously led the US business.

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What’s next

Foran will need to quickly address Kroger's challenges, including stubborn food inflation, competition from discounters, and the fallout from the failed Albertsons deal.

The takeaway

Kroger is turning to a veteran of its biggest rival, Walmart, to steer the company through a turbulent moment in food retail. Foran's hands-on management style and experience reviving Walmart's US business could prove valuable as Kroger looks to sharpen its offerings, improve operations, and win over budget-conscious shoppers.