Prime Highlight
- Kroger plans to appoint Greg Foran as its next CEO, aiming to bring stability and long-term growth after a leadership transition.
- Foran’s experience at Walmart and Air New Zealand positions him to guide Kroger through operational challenges and strategic improvements.
Key Facts
- Kroger has been searching for a permanent CEO since Rodney McMullen’s exit, with interim CEO Ronald Sargent leading the company in the meantime.
- Foran served as CEO of Air New Zealand from 2020 to 2025 and previously led Walmart U.S. operations, achieving 20 consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth.
Background
U.S. grocery major Kroger is planning to appoint former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its next chief executive officer, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. According to the report, the company is anticipated to announce the decision as early as Monday.
Kroger has been searching for a permanent CEO since it removed Rodney McMullen last year. The company’s board took the decision after an internal investigation found that McMullen’s personal conduct did not align with certain company policies. Following his exit, Kroger named lead director Ronald Sargent as interim CEO and formed a search committee with the help of an external search firm.
Reuters said it was unable to independently confirm the report. Kroger did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
Greg Foran, who was born in New Zealand, most recently served as chief executive of Air New Zealand from February 2020 to October 2025. He took charge just before the Covid-19 pandemic began and guided the airline through a series of major challenges. These included global travel disruptions, ongoing shortages of aircraft engine components, and the grounding of up to 11 planes.
Before moving into the aviation sector, Foran held the role of president and CEO of Walmart’s U.S. operations. During his tenure, he focused on improving existing stores rather than rapid expansion. That strategy helped the business deliver 20 straight quarters of comparable sales growth, earning him credit for stabilising and strengthening Walmart’s largest unit.
If confirmed, Foran’s appointment would mark a key leadership transition for Kroger as it seeks stability and long-term growth after a period of internal disruption.
