Global‑seasoned CEOs boost grocery chains’ competitiveness
Global CEOs are giving U.S. grocery chains a competitive edge by modernizing operations and expanding customer appeal, boosting profitability and growth.
Executives with international experience are giving U.S. grocery chains a competitive edge as they look to modernize operations and broaden customer appeal.
Greg Foran’s global résumé fuels Kroger’s transformation
When Kroger announced Greg Foran as its chief executive earlier this year, the move attracted attention for his track record of reviving Walmart’s U.S. business. What sets Foran apart, however, is his extensive work outside the United States. Before joining Kroger in February, he led Air New Zealand as CEO and, prior to that, steered Walmart’s Asian ventures, including its China unit and the broader Walmart Asia division. Earlier roles at Australia’s Woolworths Group added further overseas exposure.
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Industry observers say that such cross‑border experience can break the inertia that often characterizes family‑run grocery chains. Tom Furphy, chief executive of Consumer Equity Partners, noted that many U.S. grocers “perpetuate existing practices, existing beliefs, existing philosophies and existing approaches to the customer.” He added that leaders who have operated in “generally more diverse markets” can introduce fresh viewpoints.
Furphy argues that retailers outside the United States tend to be ahead in format innovation and technology development. “The rest of the world is bigger than the U.S., so it stands to reason that you have a broader perspective to learn and grow from,” he said, observing that foreign markets often spot trends earlier.
Other chains follow the international‑leadership trend
Kroger’s hiring mirrors a broader shift among U.S. grocers. In June, Netherlands‑based Ahold Delhaize named former Amazon executive Claire Peters as CEO of its U.S. division. Peters, who oversaw Amazon’s fresh‑food operations both domestically and abroad, also spent time at Woolworths, the British supermarket chain Tesco, and a stint in Thailand.
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Earlier this year Kroger added David Kennerley, a former PepsiCo Europe senior vice president and CFO, as its finance chief. Kennerley succeeded Gary Millerchip, who moved from NatWest Group to Kroger and later became CFO of Costco. The retailer also appointed Emilee De Martino, formerly responsible for McDonald’s human‑resources functions overseas, as executive vice president and chief people officer.
Beyond Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market installed Jack Sinclair, whose 14‑year tenure in the United Kingdom included overseeing more than 450 Safeway stores.
