Kroger Names Former Walmart Executive as New CEO

Greg Foran to lead the largest standalone U.S. supermarket chain as it faces growing competition from retail giants

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kroger, the largest standalone U.S. supermarket chain, has named former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its new chief executive officer. Foran, who previously led Walmart's U.S. division, will take over from interim CEO Ron Sargent as Kroger looks to bolster its digital capabilities and better compete with the likes of Walmart, Costco, and other major retailers.

Why it matters

Kroger has faced increasing competition from larger retail chains like Walmart, which now controls around 21% of the U.S. grocery market compared to Kroger's 8.5%. Foran's experience in driving Walmart's digital transformation and improving store operations could help Kroger strengthen its own omnichannel capabilities and operational efficiency as it seeks to better compete in the evolving retail landscape.

The details

Foran led Walmart's U.S. division for six years before departing in 2019, where he introduced online ordering and pickup, and accelerated Walmart's digital capabilities. Most recently, he served as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he also improved digital capabilities, led negotiations with the airline's union, and guided the company through the pandemic. Kroger said Foran's 'leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit' as the company looks to strengthen its position.

  • Kroger named Greg Foran as its new CEO on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Foran's predecessor, Rodney McMullen, resigned as Kroger's CEO in March 2025 after an investigation into his personal conduct.

The players

Greg Foran

A former Walmart executive who has been named the new CEO of Kroger, the largest standalone U.S. supermarket chain.

Ron Sargent

Kroger's interim CEO since March 2025, who will continue to serve as the company's chairman to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Rodney McMullen

Kroger's former CEO who resigned in March 2025 after an investigation into his personal conduct.

Walmart

A major retail competitor to Kroger, controlling around 21% of the U.S. grocery market compared to Kroger's 8.5%.

Costco

Another major retail competitor to Kroger in the grocery market.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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, Kroger's Chairman (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

Foran will officially take over as Kroger's CEO, with Sargent continuing to serve as chairman to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

The takeaway

Kroger's hiring of former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its new CEO signals the company's focus on strengthening its digital capabilities and operational efficiency to better compete with retail giants like Walmart and Costco in the evolving grocery market.