Former Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran plans to cut around 3,000 corporate jobs at US supermarket giant Kroger over the next three years, as the retailer restructures its operations and expands its use of artificial intelligence.
The reductions represent roughly 37% of Kroger's 8,200 corporate positions. The cuts are confined to corporate roles, rather than store or distribution jobs, within its wider workforce of approximately 409,000 employees.
Foran informed staff of the plan on Monday, October 12. In an internal memo, he said Kroger had too many management layers, handovers and overheads, slowing decisions and duplicating work.
He said simplifying the business would free up money to lower grocery prices and invest in frontline employees. Kroger has not identified the departments that will be affected, with further details expected in the coming months.
“Technology is reshaping what’s possible,” Foran wrote, arguing that Kroger needs to adapt as new tools transform business operations.
In September, Kroger outlined an expanded AI strategy covering demand forecasting, operational decisions and customer-facing services. The company said it had used AI for years, but was now developing more advanced tools. Its shopping assistant can help customers plan meals, find recipes and select groceries to suit their budgets.
Although the restructuring coincides with Kroger's AI expansion, the company has not disclosed how many of the planned job losses, if any, will result directly from automation.
Foran became Kroger chief executive in February 2026, after leading Air New Zealand from 2020 until October 2025. He previously headed Walmart's US operations.
Kroger operates more than 2,700 US supermarkets under several brands, including Ralphs and Fred Meyer, and faces stiff competition from Walmart, Aldi and online retailers.
The group cut approximately 1,000 corporate positions in June 2025. If fully implemented, the latest reductions would leave Kroger with about 5,200 corporate employees.
