Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) announced that Greg Foran, the former Walmart U.S. chief executive officer, will become its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Foran’s tenure at Walmart spanned five years, from 2014 to 2019, during which he led the company through a period of consistent comparable‑sales growth and operational improvements. Prior to Walmart, he served as CEO of Air New Zealand from February 2020 to October 2025, steering the airline through a digital transformation and the pandemic‑era operational challenges.
The appointment comes as Kroger accelerates its operational reset, which includes cost‑cutting initiatives, the closure of under‑performing stores, and a renewed focus on e‑commerce. The company has been grappling with significant impairment charges related to its automated fulfillment network and has announced plans to close several fulfillment centers while investing in a more profitable, streamlined e‑commerce platform expected to become profitable in 2026.
Kroger’s stock rose sharply in pre‑market trading on the day of the announcement, with gains of up to 6.8%. The move was the top performer in the S&P 500 that day, reflecting investor confidence in Foran’s proven track record of driving operational excellence and scaling retail operations. Analysts noted that Foran’s experience at Walmart and Air New Zealand positions him to strengthen Kroger’s omnichannel moat and improve margin performance.
Foran’s arrival signals a strategic shift toward disciplined, customer‑focused leadership. His history of turning around large‑scale retail operations and implementing digital initiatives suggests that Kroger will accelerate its e‑commerce strategy and deepen its omnichannel capabilities. Management expects Foran’s operational expertise to help the company navigate the current challenges of inflationary pressures, competitive intensity, and the need to optimize its fulfillment network.
"Greg Foran is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large‑scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution, and lead high‑performing teams," said Ron Sargent, Kroger’s interim CEO and chairman of the board. Foran expressed enthusiasm for the role, calling it "the best job on the planet" and emphasizing his commitment to delivering a superior customer experience and driving sustainable growth.
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