Kroger CEO, a Kentucky native, steps down after personal conduct investigation
Kroger CEO and chairman Rodney McMullen, a Kentucky native, resigned Monday after an investigation into his personal conduct, according to a news release from the Cincinnati-based grocery store giant.
The investigation, which began Feb. 21, found that McMullen’s conduct was “inconsistent” with Kroger’s policy on business ethics.
The investigation was not related to Kroger’s “financial performance, operations or reporting,” and it did not involve other Kroger employees, according to the release.
Kroger said it hired independent counsel to conduct the investigation, which was overseen by a special board committee.
No other details about the investigation were immediately available Monday morning.
Kroger said it has named lead director Ronald “Ron” Sargent interim CEO and chairman of the board of directors, while Mark Sutton will fill Sargent’s previous role. A national search for the company’s permanent CEO will be conducted by a special committee and a nationally recognized firm.
McMullen is a Pineville native and began his career with Kroger stocking shelves at the Eastland Shopping Center Kroger while attending the University of Kentucky. McMullen became Kroger CEO in January 2014 and was inducted in the UK Hall of Distinguished Alumni in April 2015.
Kroger was founded in 1883 by Barney Kroger. It has nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states operating under 28 different names.
Kentucky is home to 106 Kroger grocery stores, including 11 in Lexington.
This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 8:43 AM.
