Former Tesco and Amazon executive Tony Hoggett a good fit for Kroger as CEO search continues

In March, Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen was fired, and Ron Sargent was named interim CEO. The retailer is in the process of searching for a permanent replacement. And former Tesco and Amazon executive Tony Hoggett (who is currently at Marc Lore’s Wonder) should be in the running.

That’s according to Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “As a former consultant to Kroger, I have stated that there is no one at the company capable of being the type of CEO it needs. The biggest fear among associates and executives is that an insider will be selected to be CEO.”

He added: “This will be a death sentence for us”, stated an executive who has been with Kroger for over 10 years. “None of our executives can think big, something you say a lot, Brittain. They aren’t leaders, they’re followers. We need a competent leader, not another insider. We have the weakest executive bench in the grocery industry.” I've heard similar comments from other executives there, and I agree.”

In addition, Sargent has commented that Kroger, which has invested $2 billion in using CFCs from Ocado, is now "rethinking" the strategy, and that "fulfilling online orders from stores is a better strategy." Which will be a significant issue for the next CEO.

Here’s who Ladd believes should be in the running to become the next CEO at Kroger.

1. Hal Lawton - “Arguably the best CEO in retail. Hal has transformed Tractor Supply Company via the "Life out Here" strategy which has increased sales from $8 billion to $15 billion, and increased e-commerce sales by 340%. Where other retail CEOs have struggled, he has grown sales, expanded margins, and expanded the company. He brings the leadership, financial acumen, technology expertise, and boldness Kroger needs to transform their operating model, increase sales, and improve customer experience.”

2. Tony Hoggett - “Rare experience across Tesco and Amazon, and now COO at Wonder. Hoggett has lived hybrid fulfillment, store innovation, and startup experimentation. He knows exactly what Kroger has to do as it relates to Ocado and fulfilling online orders from stores.”

3. Greg Foran - “He is credited with turning around Walmart's grocery business. He is an absolute legend in retail.”

4. Juan-Carlos Ruck - “A graduate of West Point, he's a former Combat Engineer in the Army, and he earned an MBA from Stanford University. Juan-Carlos is a rising star at H-E-B, where he has been the SVP of Supply Chain; SVP of Manufacturing; and for six years has been the EVP of Food and Retail. In addition, Ruck understands the value of using automated MFCs from AutoStore to fulfill online orders from stores. He knows what Kroger must do to transform the company and operations.”

5. Michael Del Pozzo - “Currently the President, PepsiCo North America. Mike is an expert at building brands, but he has transformation, change management, commercial strategy, sales, marketing, and supply chain management experience.”

6. Judith McKenna - “Former Walmart International CEO and former COO, CFO at Asda. Judith is a skilled executive and leader. Her non-compete with Walmart expires on 31st January 2026.”

Kroger did not respond to our request for comment.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Automation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

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