CINCINNATI — For the first time in its 143-year history, The Kroger Co. is expected to appoint a CEO from outside the company, according to a report by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Tim Massa, Kroger’s chief people officer, revealed the shift in a C-Suite Awards questionnaire, calling it his top goal for the coming year: “Selecting our first-ever external hire chief executive officer in our company’s 143-year history.”
The search for a new CEO began in March after longtime chief executive Rodney McMullen resigned. His departure followed a board investigation into personal conduct that, while unrelated to business operations, was deemed inconsistent with Kroger’s ethics policy.
In the interim, the board appointed Ronald “Ron” Sargent—former chairman and CEO of Staples and Kroger’s lead director—as acting CEO. The company is working with an executive search firm to identify McMullen’s permanent successor.
