Kroger Taps Former Walmart Exec as New CEO with Lucrative Pay Package

Greg Foran set to become one of the highest-paid executives in the region as Kroger's new CEO.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kroger has disclosed the compensation details for its newly appointed CEO, Greg Foran, who previously led Walmart's U.S. stores operations. Foran's potential annual pay package could exceed $17 million, making him one of the highest-paid executives among local Fortune 500 companies in the Cincinnati region.

Why it matters

Foran's lucrative pay package highlights the competitive nature of recruiting top talent to lead major corporations like Kroger. His compensation will likely draw scrutiny from shareholders and the public, especially as companies face pressure to address income inequality and pay disparities.

The details

Foran's compensation package includes a base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentives. The details of his pay were disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Foran's potential pay exceeds that of Kroger's former CEO, Rodney McMullen, as well as the latest reported pay for executives at other major Cincinnati-area companies like Fifth Third Bank, Cintas, Cincinnati Financial, and American Financial Group.

  • Kroger announced Foran's appointment as CEO on February 9, 2026.
  • Foran's compensation package was disclosed in a regulatory filing on February 10, 2026.

The players

Greg Foran

The newly appointed CEO of Kroger, previously the head of Walmart's U.S. stores operation.

Rodney McMullen

Kroger's former CEO, who was paid $15.4 million in 2024 before leaving the company.

Kroger

A major supermarket chain headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Foran's potential compensation also tops the latest payouts for Fifth Third CEO Tim Spence, who made $10.1 million in 2024; Cintas CEO Todd Schneider, who made $9.2 million; Cincinnati Financial CEO Stephen Spray, who was paid $8.8 million; and American Financial Group's co-CEOs Carl Lindner III and Craig Lindner, who respectively were paid $11.6 million and $11.5 million.”

— Alexander Coolidge, Author (dispatch.com)

The takeaway

Kroger's decision to offer such a lucrative pay package to its new CEO, Greg Foran, reflects the intense competition for top executive talent in the regional business community. This move will likely face scrutiny from shareholders and the public, who are increasingly concerned about income inequality and the growing pay gap between corporate leaders and their employees.