Grocery giant Kroger KR.N plans to name Greg Foran, a former executive at Walmart WMT.O, as its next chief executive officer, according to people familiar with the matter. The move comes as Kroger continues its search for a permanent leader following the departure of Rodney McMullen last year.
McMullen’s exit followed a board investigation that determined his personal conduct was “incompatible” with certain company policies. Kroger has been seeking an external candidate to fill the role since then, and recent reports indicated consideration of other Walmart alumni, including Judith McKenna, who retired from the company in 2023.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Kroger expects to announce its decision as soon as Monday. This appointment could signal a shift in strategy for the grocery chain, bringing in leadership experience from its primary competitor.
Reuters has not yet been able to independently verify the report. Kroger did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The news arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of leadership transitions within the retail sector and their potential impact on market share and investor confidence.
