Kroger Appoints Former Walmart Executive as Chief Store Operations Officer

The Kroger Co. has appointed Mark Ibbotson as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer, effective September 14, 2026. Mr. Ibbotson is a retail veteran with extensive experience in large-scale operations and omnichannel strategy from his previous senior leadership roles at Wal-Mart U.S. and its former UK subsidiary, Asda.

Key Details

• Appointment: Mark Ibbotson, 63, will assume the role of EVP and Chief Store Operations Officer on September 14, 2026.
• Compensation Package: Mr. Ibbotson's compensation includes a $1 million annual base salary, a bonus target of 110% of salary, and initial equity awards totaling $3.5 million to be granted in December 2026.
• Future Incentives: He is also eligible for an annual long-term equity grant with a target value of $5 million, beginning in March 2027.