Mark Ibbotson

Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer Kroger

Last Reviewed: October 1, 2026

Executive Summary

Mark Ibbotson joined Kroger in September 2026 as Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer. He is an operations specialist whose career runs from Sainsbury’s and Asda in the U.K., where he became chief operating officer, to Walmart U.S., where as Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty he oversaw store operations, real estate and asset protection and helped launch the grocery pickup and delivery business. He has advised retail and technology companies since leaving Walmart in 2020, including as a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company. Kroger ranked No. 27 on the 2026 Fortune 500.

Career Highlights

• Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer of Kroger since September 2026.
• Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty, Walmart U.S.
• Senior Vice President of Innovation, Walmart U.S., from 2015.
• Chief Operating Officer of Asda.
• Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Company.

Professional Journey

Ibbotson began his retail career in the United Kingdom, including at Sainsbury’s, before joining Asda in 2004. There he was Loss Prevention Director, Productivity Director and Retail Director before becoming Chief Operating Officer, overseeing hundreds of stores and expanding the company’s eCommerce, pickup and drive-through capabilities.

In 2015 he joined Walmart U.S. as Senior Vice President of Innovation, charged with simplifying store operations and introducing new technology. He went on to become Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty, covering store operations, real estate, asset protection and parts of Walmart’s digital transformation, including the grocery eCommerce business and its pickup and delivery services. He also supported the development of Walmart Academies for associate training.

After leaving Walmart in 2020 he advised retail and technology companies and served as a Senior Advisor for McKinsey & Company. Kroger appointed him Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer effective 14 September 2026.

Education

No first-party source read for this profile states his education.