Kroger Appoints Mark Ibbotson as Chief Store Operations Officer

The Kroger Co. appointed Mark Ibbotson as Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer, effective September 14, 2026. Ibbotson joins the company to help achieve the corporate goal of becoming "America's Best Grocer" by simplifying complex operations and enhancing digital and physical capabilities.

Ibbotson brings extensive retail leadership experience to the role, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Asda and Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty at Walmart U.S. Most recently, he worked as a senior advisor for McKinsey & Company.

CEO Greg Foran selected Ibbotson for his proven ability to manage large-scale operations. Ibbotson stated that the company possesses the necessary assets and customer relationships to be an outstanding grocer, adding that the team is building on a foundation of digital growth.