Kroger’s new CEO Greg Foran takes over one of America’s largest grocers at a pivotal moment for the industry. The Kroger Co. said its board appointed Foran as chief executive officer effective immediately, ending months of speculation about who would permanently lead the Cincinnati-based retailer.
Foran also joins Kroger’s board of directors, replacing Ron Sargent, who served as interim CEO since March 2025. The board concluded an extensive global search before settling on a leader known for large-scale execution, digital acceleration, and operational discipline.
Together, the moves signal Kroger’s intent to sharpen store performance while navigating intensifying price pressures, labor complexities, and rapidly changing consumer expectations.
Board Bets on Execution and Scale
According to Sargent, Kroger’s new CEO Greg Foran brings the hands-on leadership style the company needs right now. He praised Foran as an operator who understands how to run complex retail systems without losing sight of customers or employees.
Sargent cited Foran’s ability to strengthen store execution, build high-performing teams, and deliver results at scale. He said the board believes Foran can guide Kroger through its next chapter with clarity and focus.
Importantly, Sargent will remain chairman of the board to support continuity. That decision aims to ensure stability as Kroger transitions from interim leadership to a permanent chief executive.
Four Decades of Global Retail Leadership
Kroger’s new CEO Greg Foran arrives with more than 40 years of experience leading consumer-facing businesses across five countries. Throughout his career, he has managed companies during periods of transformation, economic disruption, and rapid digital adoption.
Foran has consistently emphasized culture as a competitive advantage. He has argued that engaged teams, clear accountability, and operational rigor drive sustainable growth. That philosophy aligns with Kroger’s longstanding emphasis on associate engagement and local execution.
Moreover, his global background makes Kroger a leader comfortable with scale, complexity, and cross-market decision-making.
Walmart’s Tenure Reshaped U.S. Grocery Operations
Much of the industry knows Kroger’s new CEO Greg Foran from his six-year run as president and CEO of Walmart U.S. There, he oversaw the retailer’s largest division and helped engineer a turnaround after years of uneven performance.
During his tenure, Walmart U.S. delivered positive comparable sales growth for 20 consecutive quarters. He managed more than 4,600 stores and led a workforce of more than 1 million associates.
Equally significant, Foran pushed aggressively into omnichannel retail. He expanded online ordering and pickup, accelerated the adoption of digital tools in stores, and helped build early momentum in retail media. Those efforts reshaped Walmart’s competitive position against both Amazon and traditional grocers.
That experience now follows him to Kroger, at a time when digital fulfillment, personalization, and data-driven pricing define the grocery landscape.
Related Article: Kroger, Better eCommerce for Better Sales
Leading Through Crisis at Air New Zealand
After leaving Walmart in 2019, Foran took the helm as CEO of Air New Zealand. While the industry differs, the leadership challenges proved intense.
At the airline, Foran led an end-to-end digital transformation focused on customer experience and operational agility. Then, the pandemic hit.
Despite unprecedented disruption, Foran maintained a focus on long-term resilience. He navigated complex union negotiations, supply chain breakdowns, and fleet modernization while keeping the airline positioned for recovery.
That chapter strengthened his reputation as a steady leader under pressure — a quality Kroger’s board clearly values.
Foran Sees Opportunity, Not Disruption
In his first public comments, Kroger’s new CEO Greg Foran called the role “the best job on the planet.” He described Kroger as a dynamic retailer built on a strong foundation, experienced leadership, and committed associates.
Foran emphasized momentum rather than overhaul. He said he plans to build on existing strengths, raise the bar for customers, and deliver long-term value for shoppers, employees, and shareholders alike.
That language suggests evolution, not revolution — a message likely designed to reassure investors and associates.
What Comes Next for Kroger
Looking ahead, Kroger will provide additional details on the leadership transition during its March 5 earnings call. Meanwhile, the company reaffirmed its previously issued fiscal 2025 guidance, signaling confidence in near-term performance.
With Kroger’s new CEO Greg Foran now in place, attention shifts to execution. How quickly he can influence store operations, digital strategy, and cost discipline will shape Kroger’s competitive position in a crowded grocery landscape.
For now, the board has made its choice clear: experience, scale, and operational credibility matter more than bold experimentation.