Mark Ibbotson will become The Kroger Co.’s EVP and chief store operations officer on Sept. 14, marking another veteran of Walmart’s operations ranks joining the chain as CEO Greg Foran continues to reshape the leadership team.
Ibbotson brings decades of experience leading large-scale retail operations, with senior leadership roles at Walmart and its former U.K. subsidiary Asda, where he built a reputation as an operations specialist and innovator in omnichannel retail.
“Mark has done this work at scale, and he has done it exceptionally well,” Foran said. “He knows what it takes to simplify complex operations, bring out the best in frontline teams and build the digital and physical capabilities that win with customers. That is what we need as we accelerate our momentum and build America’s Best Grocer.”
UK to U.S.
Ibbotson began his retail career in the United Kingdom, including roles at Sainsbury’s before joining Asda in 2004. He rose through operational and leadership positions — loss prevention director, productivity director and retail director — before becoming COO, overseeing hundreds of stores, driving efficiency and cost improvements and expanding the company’s e-commerce capabilities, including the introduction of pickup and drive-thru.
In 2015, Ibbotson joined Walmart U.S. as SVP of innovation, with a mandate to simplify store operations and introduce new technologies. His responsibilities grew, and he became EVP of central operations and realty, a portfolio encompassing store operations, real estate, asset protection and key elements of Walmart’s digital transformation, including the architecture and launch of its grocery e-commerce business and pickup and delivery services. He also supported the development of Walmart Academies for associate training.
Since leaving Walmart in 2020, Ibbotson has worked as a strategic advisor to retail and technology companies, including four years as a senior advisor for McKinsey & Company.
“Kroger has the assets, the customer relationships and the associates to be an outstanding grocer,” Ibbotson said. “The team is building on a foundation of fresh, value and digital growth that is truly exciting. I am looking forward to contributing to that work and the talented teams I will have the privilege of working alongside.”
The appointment deepens the Walmart imprint on Foran’s leadership team. Foran, who became Kroger CEO in February, previously served as president and CEO of Walmart U.S. — where Ibbotson’s tenure overlapped with his — and last month Kroger named former Walmart and Jet.com supply chain executive Nate Faust to lead its e-commerce business. The hires come as the Cincinnati-based grocer pursues its $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle, announced in July.