Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen Steps Down Amid Ethics Investigation

Rodney McMullen, the CEO of Kroger, is stepping down from the grocery store chain after an internal investigation revealed his personal conduct conflicted with the company’s ethics standards.

Last month, Kroger disclosed that it had become aware of certain behaviors by McMullen, which led the board to launch an inquiry. The specifics of what the investigation uncovered remain undisclosed. However, the company clarified that McMullen’s actions were not related to Kroger’s “financial performance, operations, or reporting, and did not involve any Kroger staff.”

Ronald Sargent, a member of Kroger’s board of directors since 2006, will assume the role of interim CEO until a permanent successor is appointed.

“In my role as interim CEO, I’m dedicated to collaborating with our skilled management team and committed associates to ensure that Kroger continues to deliver exceptional value to our customers,” Sargent stated in a press release on Monday.

McMullen has dedicated nearly five decades to Kroger, beginning his career as a part-time stock clerk in Kentucky in 1978. Over the years, he climbed the ranks and occupied various leadership roles, including chief financial officer. He joined the company’s board in 2003 and became CEO in 2014.

This leadership transition follows several months after Kroger withdrew its planned $25 billion merger with Albertsons due to regulatory challenges from the previous U.S. administration.