Kroger, one of the largest grocery chains in the United States, is reportedly set to appoint Greg Foran as its new chief executive officer, following a period of intense search for leadership after the departure of Rodney McMullen. The Wall Street Journal highlighted Foran’s potential appointment, citing sources familiar with the matter. The formal announcement is anticipated as early as Monday, although this information has not yet been confirmed by Kroger.
Foran, who hails from New Zealand, brings a wealth of experience in managerial roles spanning various sectors. He served as the CEO of Air New Zealand from February 2020 until October 2025, a tenure that coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this challenging period, Foran successfully navigated significant obstacles, including supply chain disruptions and aircraft groundings. Prior to his role at Air New Zealand, he led Walmart’s U.S. operations, where he was instrumental in revitalizing the business, achieving 20 consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth by prioritizing the enhancement of existing stores.
The backdrop to Kroger’s leadership transition is rooted in the abrupt ousting of McMullen, which followed a board investigation that determined his personal conduct did not align with company policies. Following McMullen’s exit, the board appointed Ronald Sargent, the lead director, as the interim CEO while a search committee undertook the task of finding a permanent leader, employing the assistance of an external search firm to aid in their selection process.
As Kroger prepares to make a significant move in its executive leadership, the hiring of a figure like Foran, with his extensive background in both airline and retail management, is seen as a pivotal step in steering the company toward a robust future amidst an ever-evolving grocery market landscape. The company has yet to comment on the report regarding Foran’s appointment.
