In February 2026, Greg Foran, a former executive at Walmart, was appointed as the new chief executive officer of Kroger, marking a significant leadership change for the large American supermarket chain. Foran's selection came after an extensive year-long search, following the resignation of previous CEO Rodney McMullen, who left amid an investigation into an ethics violation. During his tenure at Walmart’s U.S. division from 2014 to 2019, Foran was instrumental in implementing innovative strategies, notably enhancing the company's online ordering and digital capabilities. His approach is expected to help Kroger navigate increasing competition, particularly from Walmart, which holds 21% of the U.S. grocery market compared to Kroger's 8.5%. The appointment of Foran aims to revitalize Kroger's market position and enhance its efficiency and customer service. Following the announcement, Kroger's shares rose by 6%, reflecting investor confidence in Foran's leadership. His previous tenure as CEO of Air New Zealand further solidifies his reputation as a capable leader, having successfully navigated the business through complex challenges during the pandemic. As Kroger seeks to maintain its competitive edge, Foran emphasizes a commitment to strengthen the company's core operations and enhance service delivery to customers while addressing internal efficiency.