Kroger Taps Former McDonald's Executive as New Chief People Officer

Key Facts

1Kroger appointed Emilee De Martino, a former McDonald's executive, as EVP and Chief People Officer.

2De Martino succeeds Tim Massa, who is scheduled to retire on September 18.

In a move reflecting a strategic focus on talent management and leadership continuity, Kroger has appointed Emilee De Martino, a former executive at McDonald's, as its new EVP and Chief People Officer. According to reports, De Martino will succeed Tim Massa, who is scheduled to retire on September 18, marking a planned transition in the company's executive ranks.

This leadership change occurs as major retail and food service players compete for top-tier administrative talent to navigate evolving labor market dynamics. Per market data, McDonald's (MCD) shares closed at $269.43 on July 1, 2026, as Kroger looks to leverage De Martino's extensive industry experience to drive its human resources strategy forward.

Kroger (KR) shares were priced at $56.24 at the close of July 1, 2026, maintaining a steady range between $54.15 and $56.25. Market participants will be monitoring the impact of this transition alongside upcoming macro catalysts, including the Michigan Consumer Sentiment data which recently posted a reading of 49.5, according to the economic calendar.