Rodney McMullen, the chief executive of American supermarket chain Kroger, has resigned with immediate effect following an investigation into his personal conduct. The company confirmed that its board had been looking into unspecified behaviour that was unrelated to Kroger's financial performance or operations, and did not involve any employees.
McMullen, who began his career at Kroger as a part-time stock clerk in Kentucky in 1978, had been CEO since 2014. During his tenure, the grocer's annual sales rose from $98 billion to $150 billion, and it acquired supermarket chains Harris Teeter and Roundy's. A proposed $25 billion takeover of Albertsons was blocked by US courts late last year.
The board has appointed Ronald Sargent, a director since 2006, as interim CEO. Sargent said he is committed to working with the management team to ensure Kroger continues to deliver for customers. Lead independent director Mark Sutton praised Sargent's role in developing Kroger's strategy and expressed confidence in the company's future.
Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores across 35 states and Washington, DC. The search for a permanent CEO is now under way.
