Kroger’s board has selected a former Walmart senior vice president of e-commerce and supply chain to succeed long-time CEO Rodney McMullen. The appointment takes effect April 1, marking a strategic leadership change ahead of Kroger’s next fiscal year.

In their decade with Walmart, the incoming CEO managed the retailer’s online expansion and logistics operations, overseeing nationwide fulfillment and a multibillion-dollar digital business. Their tenure included launching same-day delivery services and integrating brick-and-mortar inventory with e-commerce platforms.

Kroger intends to leverage the new CEO’s Walmart experience to accelerate its omnichannel initiatives, enhance delivery capabilities and optimize store-based fulfillment. Management expects these efforts to bolster market competitiveness against both traditional grocers and online retailers.