Ex‑Walmart Chief Greg Foran Named Kroger CEO to Lead Store Execution and Digital Growth

Ex‑Walmart U.S. Chief Greg Foran Takes Helm at Kroger

Kroger names Greg Foran as chief executive officer and adds him to its board, saying he assumes the role immediately as Ron Sargent remains as chairman to ensure a smooth leadership transition. The appointment follows an extensive, year‑long search for an "innovative retail leader," the company says. Foran brings more than 40 years running large consumer businesses across multiple countries and is credited with turning around Walmart U.S., accelerating digital ordering and pickup, and later leading an end‑to‑end digital transformation at Air New Zealand.

The company frames Foran’s mandate around store execution, digital innovation, retail media and community‑focused grocery service, areas Kroger highlights in its growth strategy. Kroger says he will focus on building momentum in operations, raising standards for customer experience, and investing in associates. Foran describes Kroger as "one of the most dynamic companies in retail" and calls the role "the best job on the planet," while the board praises his customer focus and disciplined execution.

The hire comes as the grocery industry faces heightened competition, regulatory scrutiny and shifting consumer expectations after the collapse of Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons. Kroger signals that Foran’s experience managing large store fleets, navigating complex labor and supply issues, and advancing digital capabilities will be central to competing against low‑price and tech‑driven rivals. The company says it will provide further details on succession planning and any executive team changes in the coming weeks.

Valentine’s Day push aims at convenience, quality

Separately, Kroger is promoting an at‑home Valentine’s Day offering built around a "Surf and Turf" dinner, emphasizing premium cuts and seafood available at its meat and seafood counters. The chain highlights practical cooking tips, curated seasonings and partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats for gift and meal delivery, positioning convenience and food‑safety guidance to capture holiday meal demand without restaurant reservations.

Board underscores combined focus on execution and digital growth

Kroger’s board reiterates that the new CEO appointment supports a dual emphasis on frontline store performance and accelerated digital initiatives, including retail media and online fulfilment. The company frames the move as the next phase of a strategic push to improve customer experience, strengthen associate engagement and advance long‑term operational resilience.