Kroger Picks Walmart Vet Greg Foran as New CEO

Company Leadership - Kroger has appointed Greg Foran, a former Walmart executive, as its new CEO, succeeding Ron Sargent, who served as interim CEO since March [2][3] - Foran previously served as CEO of Walmart U.S. from 2014 to 2019, where he oversaw a business turnaround and led a digital overhaul, including online ordering and pickup [3] Strategic Focus - Foran emphasized Kroger's strong foundation and talented leadership team, expressing confidence in the company's direction and commitment to customers and communities [4] - His appointment comes at a critical time as Kroger seeks to enhance its brick-and-mortar presence following the collapse of a $20 billion deal for rival Albertsons in 2024 and is addressing challenges related to food inflation [5] Consumer Behavior Trends - The grocery sector is experiencing shifts in consumer behavior due to financial pressures, with a notable increase in online grocery shopping among consumers facing high financial stress [6] - Consumers under financial stress are 6 percentage points more likely to purchase groceries online compared to those with lower stress levels, indicating a targeted shift rather than a general increase in online shopping [6]