Greg Foran Takes Kroger Helm After Air New Zealand Tenure

CINCINNATI (Azat TV) – Grocery retail giant Kroger announced on Monday, February 9, 2026, the appointment of Greg Foran as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Foran, a seasoned executive with a distinguished career spanning major global retailers and airlines, steps into the role following a period of significant leadership transition at Kroger and his recent departure from Air New Zealand.

Foran, 64, takes the reins from interim CEO Ron Sargent, who had led the company since March 2025 and will now continue as chairman of Kroger’s board of directors to ensure a seamless transition. The appointment caps a year-long search for a permanent leader after the abrupt resignation of long-time Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen last spring.

Foran’s Recent Transition from Air New Zealand Leadership

Foran’s move to Kroger follows his five-year tenure as CEO of Air New Zealand, a role he held until October 2025. His leadership at the national carrier was marked by a strategic focus on customer experience and operational efficiency, making his departure from the airline a notable event in the Australasian business landscape. This recent executive transition highlights Foran’s diverse leadership experience across different industries, from retail to aviation.

Before his time at Air New Zealand, Foran garnered extensive experience in the retail sector. He served as President and CEO of Walmart’s U.S. operations from 2014 to 2019. During his tenure at Walmart, he was widely credited with revitalizing the company’s U.S. grocery business and improving existing stores, leading to 20 consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth. This track record of turning around large-scale operations brings a significant level of credibility to his new role at Kroger.

Challenges and Opportunities at Kroger

Foran arrives at Kroger at a pivotal time for the Cincinnati-based company, which is the fourth-largest food and consumables retailer in North America, according to Progressive Grocer. The grocery giant has faced a challenging period, including the departure of former CEO Rodney McMullen in March 2025 following an internal investigation into his personal conduct. McMullen’s exit also came after Kroger abandoned a two-year attempt to acquire rival Albertsons for $25 billion, a deal he had strongly advocated.

Kroger is currently grappling with a competitive market, evolving consumer spending habits, and the need to reinvigorate its value proposition with shoppers. Investors have also expressed concerns, contributing to a decline in the company’s stock price over the past year. Analysts like Michael Montani of Evercore ISI believe Foran’s proven success in turning around Walmart U.S. store operations will bring ‘instant credibility’ to Kroger’s efforts to address these challenges.

Upon his appointment, Foran expressed enthusiasm for his new role. ‘Kroger is one of the most dynamic companies in retail,’ Foran stated, adding, ‘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.’

Foran’s appointment signifies a strategic move by Kroger to inject fresh leadership and leverage his extensive experience in large-scale retail turnarounds, particularly as the company navigates a complex post-merger attempt landscape and seeks to regain investor confidence following a period of internal and market-driven pressures.