US grocery retailer Kroger has appointed Greg Foran as its CEO with immediate effect, ending a board-led search for a permanent leader.
Foran will also take a seat on Kroger’s board of directors.
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Ron Sargent, who has served as interim CEO since March 2025, will continue as chairman of the board and is expected to support the handover.
Commenting on his appointment, Foran said: “At this moment in Kroger’s journey, I can honestly say this is the best job on the planet.
“I look forward to working with the board and the entire team to build on this momentum, continue raising the bar for customers, and deliver long-term value for customers, associates, and shareholders.”
Foran brings more than four decades of senior management experience across five countries, including directing digital upgrades and operational restructuring.
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By GlobalDataEarlier in his career, Foran spent six years as president and CEO of Walmart US, overseeing the group’s largest division until 2019.
During that period, he expanded online ordering and collection services, delivered positive comparable sales for 20 consecutive quarters and managed more than 4,600 stores and around one million employees.
He more recently led Air New Zealand as CEO, where he carried out a company-wide digital programme and navigated the airline through pandemic-related disruption.
That period included union negotiations, supply chain pressures and fleet investment decisions.
Sargent sent: “Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution, and lead high-performing teams. His leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit for Kroger.”
The appointment follows a set of senior management changes announced by Kroger last month across its US retail operations.
Victor Smith, previously president of the Atlanta division, was promoted to senior vice-president of retail divisions.
Monica Garnes, formerly president of the Fry’s division, was named head of the Atlanta division, while Ken DeLuca was elevated to lead Fry’s.
