Kroger finished its year-long search for a new leader by choosing Greg Foran, who previously led Air New Zealand and held executive roles at Walmart, to take over after Rodney McMullen left last March.

The Cincinnati-based grocer removed McMullen in 2024 after a board investigation determined his personal conduct conflicted with company policies. The leadership change came at a critical juncture for the retailer as it navigates weakening consumer demand for staples and intensifying competition from rivals, including Walmart.

Foran has strong experience in retail. He led Air New Zealand for about five years until October 2025 and was president and CEO of Walmart’s U.S. operations from 2014 to 2019. At Walmart, he improved stores and achieved 20 straight quarters of sales growth.

This appointment helps address investor concerns about Kroger’s strategy. Analysts believe Foran’s success at Walmart is relevant to Kroger’s current challenges in a competitive grocery market with changing consumer habits.

While searching for a new CEO, the board named Ronald Sargent, lead director and former Staples CEO, as interim leader. Sargent will stay on as board chairman to help with the transition.

This leadership change is part of a wider trend of instability among global consumer and retail companies facing tariff issues and unpredictable demand. McMullen left after Kroger dropped its $25 billion plan to buy Albertsons, a deal he supported to fight inflation and boost competitiveness. Unions had called for his removal, saying he tried to distract from operational problems by focusing on shareholder payouts.

Despite criticism, during McMullen’s 11 years as CEO, Kroger’s market value more than tripled. After the announcement, shares rose about 6 percent in premarket trading on Monday. The company also confirmed its outlook for fiscal 2025.