The board of directors of The Kroger Co. he has appointed Greg Foran Foran has been appointed as the group's new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, marking a significant turning point in the governance of one of the largest food retailers in the United States. At the same time, Foran also joins the company's board and takes over from Ron Sargent, who assumed the role of interim CEO in March 2025 and who will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors, ensuring continuity and stability during the transition phase.
The appointment follows an extensive selection process conducted by the board to identify someone capable of combining operational discipline, large-scale execution capabilities, and a strategic vision consistent with Kroger's growth priorities. According to Sargent, Foran is particularly well-suited to strengthening store execution, empowering people, and leading complex teams in an increasingly challenging competitive environment for U.S. grocery retail.
The new CEO brings with him over forty years of experience leading large consumer companies, gained in five countries and through phases of profound transformation, accelerated digitalization, and operational reorganization. A key part of his journey is linked to the leadership of Walmart US, where for six years he led the group's largest division, managing over 4.600 stores and more than a million employees.
During that time, Foran helped revitalize Walmart's business performance, achieving twenty consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth and significantly accelerating the development of its digital capabilities, from e-commerce to click-and-collect services. Under his leadership, Walmart US also strengthened its position in retail media and improved the integration between physical and online channels, elements that are now also central to Kroger's strategy.
Most recently, Foran served as CEO of Air New Zealand, leading the company through a complex digital and operational transformation process during one of the most critical times for the air transport industry. During his tenure, he addressed the consequences of the pandemic, managing supply chain crises, complex labor negotiations, and strategic fleet investments, while maintaining a focus on long-term resilience.
Commenting on the new appointment, Foran called Kroger "one of the most dynamic companies in retail," emphasizing the solidity of its industrial platform, the quality of its management, and the central role of its associates in connecting with customers and local communities. Strategically, the change in leadership comes at a critical time for the group, which is committed to strengthening its value proposition in fresh produce, private label, personalization, and e-commerce, amid a continuing economic uncertainty.
The company simultaneously confirmed its 2025 fiscal year guidance, signaling continuity in its financial trajectory and confidence in the ability to execute the business plan already disclosed to the market. Further details on the management transition and the new CEO's operational priorities will be provided at the earnings presentation on March 5, an event eagerly awaited by investors to assess the new leadership's initial strategic direction. With over 400.000 associates and more than 11 million customers served daily, Kroger is now leveraging a global management team to navigate a phase in which operational efficiency, digital innovation, and cost discipline will be crucial to sustaining long-term growth and profitability.
