Business
February 10, 2026
Prominent American grocery giant Kroger has finally welcomed its new CEO after almost a year-long search through several candidates. Kroger onboarded Greg Foran, a seasoned retail executive from New Zealand. Along with his CEO position, Foran will also be part of the retail firm’s Board of Directors. This news had a notable impact on Kroger’s stock price.
It should be noted that Greg Foran brings more than four decades of experience. Kroger’s newly appointed CEO has previously served as the president and CEO of Walmart U.S. During his tenure, Walmart U.S. reportedly delivered 20 quarters of sales growth and managed a staggering 4,600 stores and a million associates.
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Greg Foran Takes Kroger Grocery CEO Role Amid Stock Price Surge
Kroger was struggling to find a new CEO for about 11 months after former CEO Rodney McMullen resigned last March. An internal investigation found his personal conduct did not align with the firm’s policy and ethics. The board then brought in Rod Sargent as interim CEO to stabilize operations.
Meanwhile, Kroger struggled to find a suitable CEO fit. The grocery giant was being “very thorough” with its search. The Kroger grocery CEO candidate list entailed a wide range of current or former senior operating executives at other rival retailers like Publix or Costco. They finally decided on Foran, who was recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand.
Speaking about their latest addition, Sargent said,
“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 Board is confident Greg is the right leader to guide Kroger into its next chapter.”
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Kroger Stock Price Jumps on CEO Announcement
The Kroger grocery CEO announcement had an immediate impact on the company’s stock. The Kroger stock price closed at a record $70.10 on February 9, 2026, marking a 3.85% gain on the day.
Elaborating on his latest role, Kroger grocery’s CEO Greg Foran said:
“The company is built on a strong foundation, supported by a talented leadership team, and caring associates who are dedicated to the customers and communities they serve. 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.”
With Foran now serving as Kroger grocery CEO, the retail giant appears positioned to enter a new phase of growth and operational excellence. The market’s positive response suggests strong investor confidence in his leadership capabilities and his proven ability to drive results at scale.
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