Kroger Appoints Ex-Walmart Executive as First External CEO (1)

Kroger Co. named retail veteran Greg Foran its chief executive officer, as the nation’s largest supermarket operator seeks to reset after a failed mega-merger and the sudden exit of its former leader.

Foran, 64, steps in as Kroger’s first external CEO after nearly a yearlong search. The Cincinnati-based retailer ousted CEO Rodney McMullen in March following a probe into his personal conduct, which came on the heels of a $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons Cos. being blocked on antitrust grounds. Since then, Kroger has been led by interim chief Ron Sargent, a longtime board member.

Foran most ...