Rodney McMullen

William Rodney McMullen (born 1961) is an American businessman who was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Kroger, the third-largest general retailer in the United States, from 2014 until 2025. In March 2025, McMullen resigned abruptly after an investigation found his personal conduct did not align with Kroger's business ethics.

McMullen was born in Pineville, Kentucky on his family-owned farm, and was the first of his family to receive a college education. He has a bachelor's and a master's degree in accounting, both from the University of Kentucky.

In 1978, McMullen began working part-time as a stock clerk at a Kroger grocery store in Lexington, Kentucky, while a university student. His work included price tagging items, bagging groceries, receiving product, and running the register.

In 1982, McMullen moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to work as an accounting supervisor for Kroger. In 1986, he became a financial analyst at Kroger's corporate headquarters in Cincinnati.

In 1995, McMullen became chief financial officer of Kroger. He oversaw Kroger's acquisition of Fred Meyer, Inc. in 1999.

In 2000, McMullen became Kroger's executive vice president of strategy, planning, and finance. In 2003, McMullen became vice chairman of Kroger, and then became president and chief operating officer in 2009.

McMullen became the CEO of Kroger on January 1, 2014, succeeding David Dillon. He was appointed as chairman of the company in 2015. In 2025, McMullen resigned as chairman and CEO after a board investigation found that his personal conduct was inconsistent with the grocer's "policy on business ethics."

McMullen is a non-executive director of Cincinnati Financial.