Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen resigns amid ethics investigation

Tuesday 04 March 2025 - 09:33

Rodney McMullen, CEO of American retail giant Kroger, has stepped down following an internal investigation into his conduct. The company announced that his actions did not align with its ethical policies, as reported by CNN.

Kroger’s board launched the inquiry last month after receiving information about McMullen’s behavior. While the company did not disclose specific details, it confirmed that the matter was unrelated to financial performance, operations, or reporting. Additionally, no Kroger employees were implicated.

Ronald Sargent, a longtime board member, has been appointed interim CEO as the company searches for a permanent successor. In a statement, Sargent emphasized his commitment to working with Kroger’s leadership and staff to maintain the retailer’s strong customer focus.

McMullen’s resignation marks the conclusion of a 46-year tenure at Kroger, where he started as a part-time stock clerk in 1978 before ascending through various leadership roles. He became a board member in 2003 and was appointed CEO in 2014.

His departure follows Kroger’s failed $25 billion merger with Albertsons due to regulatory hurdles. In the wake of the deal’s collapse, Albertsons filed a lawsuit against Kroger, accusing it of not making its best efforts to secure regulatory approval and failing to meet contractual obligations.