Leadership Shifts at Albertsons and Kroger Post-Merger Block

Following a blocked $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, both companies are undergoing leadership changes. Kroger's CEO Rodney McMullen resigned after a board investigation into his personal conduct, which, while not related to the business, violated company ethics policies. Meanwhile, Albertsons' CEO Vivek Sankaran announced his planned retirement, and COO Susan Morris will succeed him as CEO on May 1. Morris, who has been with Albertsons for nearly 40 years, is expected to join the board and lead the company into its next growth phase. The leadership changes come as these major grocery chains navigate the aftermath of their failed merger attempt, which was blocked by judicial rulings in December. Both companies are now repositioning to continue competing in the crowded grocery market.