The Kroger Co. has appointed Greg Foran — a seasoned retail executive best known for his operational leadership at Walmart — as its new chief executive officer, a move that signals the nation’s largest traditional supermarket chain is doubling down on foundational execution and strategic transformation.
Foran’s arrival marks a significant leadership shift for Kroger as it seeks to revitalize its business against intensifying competition from big-box retailers, digital competitors and evolving consumer expectations.
Leadership Renewal After Extended Vacancy
Kroger’s board of directors formally named Greg Foran CEO effective February 9, 2026, following nearly a year with interim leadership after then-CEO Rodney McMullen resigned in March 2025 amid an internal ethics investigation. Former interim CEO Ron Sargent continues as chairman of the board.
The search culminated in Kroger’s first external CEO hire in decades, underscoring the company’s desire for fresh perspective and operational discipline.
Foran brings more than 40 years of experience leading complex consumer businesses through transformation, growth and digital adoption. Most recently, he served as CEO of Air New Zealand, where he guided the airline through pandemic disruption. Prior to that, Foran spent eight years at Walmart, including a pivotal five-year tenure as president and CEO of Walmart U.S. from 2014 through 2019.
An Operations-First Philosophy
Industry observers describe Foran’s leadership style as deeply operational and execution-focused — a so-called “operator’s operator.” During his time at Walmart, he emphasized fundamental retail priorities: ensuring in-stock merchandise, enhancing fresh product assortments, and standardizing store execution. These efforts helped produce positive comparable-store sales growth across 20 consecutive quarters at Walmart U.S., according to Kroger’s announcement.
Modern Retail’s profile of Foran highlights that he was central to “transforming Walmart” through strong, hands-on management. He invested significant time in the field — visiting nearly 200 locations in his first two years — to improve execution on basics like assortment, shelf-stock levels and operational discipline. That approach earned him a reputation for high expectations, deep involvement in detail, and a command-and-control style that prioritized operational rigor over flash.
While Foran did not invent Walmart’s e-commerce strategy, he was instrumental in scaling initiatives such as grocery pickup and integrating physical store operations to support digital commerce — a capability that is now central to omnichannel grocery retailing. His teams also managed employee investments, including expanded training programs and wage increases, which aimed to elevate store performance and customer service.
Strategic Imperatives for Kroger
Kroger’s decision to bring in an operations-centric leader reflects its broader strategic needs. The company is navigating several challenges, including underperformance at recently closed automated fulfillment centers and a pivot back to store-based order fulfillment with third-party delivery partners. Kroger’s failed merger with Albertsons, blocked in 2024 by regulators, also necessitated a recalibration of its competitive positioning.
Foran’s experience aligning store operations with omnichannel capabilities could prove essential as Kroger seeks to boost profitability in its e-commerce business — a top priority outlined by management for 2026. His tenure at Walmart saw early expansion of curbside pickup and experimentation with technology in physical stores, initiatives that resonate with Kroger’s need to blend brick-and-mortar strength with digital convenience.
Investor Response and Market Context
Financial markets responded positively to the news of Foran’s appointment. Kroger’s share price climbed sharply in early trading following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence that his leadership could provide clearer direction and stabilize performance after a prolonged leadership gap. Analysts noted that Kroger has been facing pressure from discount grocers like Aldi and Lidl, as well as broad shifts toward online grocery shopping accelerated by competitors such as Walmart and Amazon.
Foran steps into the CEO role at a critical juncture for Kroger’s business. With roughly 2,700 stores and more than 400,000 employees, Kroger remains a retail heavyweight, but it is operating in an environment where execution excellence and the integration of digital channels are increasingly essential for growth and relevance. His operational pedigree at one of the world’s largest retailers positions him to lead Kroger through this next phase of competition and transformation.
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