Kroger Taps Former Walmart Star Greg Foran as Next CEO Amid Grocery Industry Shake-Up
Kroger is getting ready for a big leadership change, and it’s one that could shape the future of grocery shopping for millions of Americans.
According to reports, the grocery giant plans to name Greg Foran, a former Walmart executive and current airline CEO, as its next chief executive. If confirmed, Foran would step into the role at a time when the grocery business is under more pressure than ever, from rising prices to changing shopping habits and nonstop competition.
For Kroger, this isn’t just a routine change at the top. It’s a signal that the company knows the road ahead won’t be easy and that it wants someone battle-tested in charge.
A Familiar Name in Retail Circles
Greg Foran isn’t a flashy name, but in retail circles, he’s widely respected.
Most people know him from his time at Walmart, where he served as CEO of Walmart U.S. from 2014 to 2019. That was a tough period for the company. Amazon was growing fast, online shopping was exploding, and Walmart was under pressure to modernize without losing its price advantage.
Foran helped steady the ship. He focused on basics: cleaner stores, better-stocked shelves, faster checkout, and improved employee pay. Under his watch, Walmart expanded online grocery pickup and delivery, services that later became essential.
After leaving Walmart, Foran took on an entirely different challenge: running Air New Zealand. He became CEO just as the airline industry was hit by the pandemic. Borders closed, planes were grounded, and airlines around the world were fighting for survival.
Guiding an airline through that chaos gave Foran experience managing a crisis, something Kroger may find useful in today’s uncertain economy.
Why Kroger Is Looking Outside
Kroger has traditionally promoted leaders from within. Turning to an outsider like Foran suggests the company wants a fresh set of eyes.
The grocery business today is far more complicated than it used to be. Shoppers are more price-sensitive. Labor costs are higher. Online orders and delivery expectations are the norm. And competition is coming from every direction, Walmart, Costco, Aldi, Amazon, dollar stores, and even apps.
Kroger is still strong, but it’s not immune to pressure. Margins are thin, loyalty is harder to maintain, and every pricing decision is scrutinised by customers watching every dollar.
Foran’s experience running massive operations and competing on price could make him a good fit for this moment.
The Problems Kroger Has to Solve
Kroger isn’t in trouble, but it’s definitely under strain.
Inflation has changed how people shop. Many customers are buying fewer items, switching to store brands, or shopping around for the best deals. At the same time, Kroger has to manage labor shortages, rising wages, and higher supply costs.
The company also faces uncertainty around major strategic moves that have attracted regulatory attention, adding another layer of complexity for leadership.
In short, Kroger needs steady hands, someone who understands how to operate efficiently while keeping customers and employees on board.
What Foran Might Do Differently
If Greg Foran takes over, don’t expect dramatic overnight changes. His style has always been practical, not flashy.
At Walmart, he focused on execution ensuring stores worked as they were supposed to. That kind of mindset could translate well to Kroger, where small improvements in pricing, inventory, and service can make a big difference.
Technology will likely remain a priority. Kroger has already invested heavily in data and digital tools, but the competition isn’t slowing down. Foran knows how important speed and efficiency are in modern retail.
Pricing will also be key. Grocery shoppers are more sensitive than ever, and Kroger has to stay competitive without destroying its profits. Foran has years of experience managing razor-thin margins, something Walmart lives with every day.
What This Means for Employees
Any leadership change creates anxiety, especially for a company with hundreds of thousands of workers.
Foran’s track record may offer some reassurance. At Walmart, he supported wage increases and invested in training, moves that helped stabilize morale during a difficult time. How that approach carries over to Kroger will matter a lot to store workers, warehouse staff, and union leaders.
Labor relations remain a major issue in grocery retail, and the next CEO will need to walk a careful line between controlling costs and keeping employees engaged.
How Investors Are Likely to See It
Wall Street usually welcomes experienced leadership, especially during uncertain times. Foran’s resume could give investors confidence that Kroger is taking its challenges seriously.
That said, markets will want clarity fast. Investors will be watching for signals about pricing strategy, growth plans, cost control, and how Kroger intends to stay competitive in a crowded field.
The early months of a new CEO often set the tone, and expectations will be high.
A Turning Point for Kroger
Kroger’s reported plan to bring in Greg Foran marks a turning point.
The grocery business is no longer just about selling food. It’s about data, logistics, speed, trust, and value — all at once. Foran has seen industries change before, and he’s been through periods of disruption that tested even the strongest companies.
Whether he can translate those lessons to Kroger will determine how this chapter unfolds. But one thing is clear: Kroger isn’t standing still. It’s preparing for a future where experience, discipline, and adaptability matter more than ever.
