By George Glover

Kroger shares were rallying Monday as investors reacted to a report saying the grocer is on the brink of hiring a new CEO, which would put an end to almost a year of leadership uncertainty.

The stock jumped 5.9% to $71.49, making it the S&P 500's biggest winner ahead of the opening bell. Futures tracking the benchmark index slipped 0.3% as a relief rally from the end of last week fizzled out.

Kroger plans to appoint former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its new CEO, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company could announce the decision as soon as Monday, some of the people said.

Kroger didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Barron's.

The appointment would give Kroger some much-needed direction at a time when the company is quickly growing its e-commerce business, but struggling to match Wall Street's sales goals and grappling with higher costs.

Kroger's former CEO Rodney McMullen resigned in March 2025 following an investigation that found his personal conduct was inconsistent with the company's policy on business ethics.

Shares have climbed 3.4% over the past year. The S&P 500 is up 15% over the same period.

Write to George Glover at george.glover@dowjones.com

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February 09, 2026 07:20 ET (12:20 GMT)

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