Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) announced that Milen Mahadevan, the current president of its analytics unit 84.51°, will serve as the company’s new Chief Data and AI Officer. The appointment, made on March 07 2026, creates a senior executive role that will oversee all data and artificial‑intelligence operations and lead the retailer’s AI‑driven transformation initiative.
Mahadevan’s responsibilities include consolidating Kroger’s data strategy, accelerating the deployment of AI tools across the organization, and driving the integration of data‑driven insights into every aspect of the business. The role is designed to position Kroger to enhance its omnichannel capabilities, support its e‑commerce and retail‑media businesses, and deliver a more personalized customer experience.
The appointment follows Kroger’s Q4 2025 earnings, in which the company reported revenue of $34.73 billion—a 1.2% year‑on‑year increase—and GAAP earnings per share of $1.35, beating analyst estimates. Management guided for a fiscal‑year 2026 EPS of $5.20, and capital investments for 2026 are earmarked for technology and AI. CFO David Kennerley said, "introducing agentic AI shopping for our customers, which will help them discover items, build baskets, plan meals and stay within budgets, all in a personalized way," underscoring the strategic focus on AI to improve the customer journey.
Kroger’s move comes amid a broader industry trend, with competitors such as Target and Albertsons also investing heavily in AI and technology. The retailer’s expanded partnership with Google Cloud and its 84.51° data‑science unit further reinforce its commitment to data‑driven innovation. The appointment of a dedicated Chief Data and AI Officer signals that Kroger is prioritizing technology as a core driver of its strategic reset under new CEO Greg Foran, who has a background at Walmart and is focused on improving business fundamentals and customer experience.
By centralizing data and AI leadership, Kroger aims to accelerate operational efficiencies, enhance product recommendations, and strengthen its competitive position in the grocery and retail‑media markets. The appointment reflects the company’s intent to leverage data and AI to drive growth, improve margins, and deliver a more seamless omnichannel experience for shoppers.
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