01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 8-K filed September 2, 2026. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
On September 2, 2026, The Kroger Co. filed a Form 8-K announcing the appointment of Mark Ibbotson, 63, as Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer, effective September 14, 2026.
The appointment was made August 31, 2026. Ibbotson has been a strategic advisor to retail and technology companies since 2020 and has served as a Senior Advisor for McKinsey & Company for the last four years. Previously he held roles at Wal-Mart U.S. and its former UK subsidiary Asda from 2004, including Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty and Senior Vice President of Innovation.
The filing sets out Ibbotson's compensation: an annual base salary of $1,000,000,a an annual incentive bonus target of 110% of base salary (pro-rated for 2026), and a one-time $1.25 million restricted share grant vesting ratably over three years. It also includes a $1.25 million performance unit award under the 2026-2028 long-term incentive plan and a one-time $1 million restricted share grant vesting ratably over two years, all to be awarded in December 2026. He is also eligible for an annual long-term equity grant in March 2027 with a current total target value of $5 million, and will receive a standard executive relocation package including 90 days of temporary housing.
A companion press release (Exhibit 99.1) quotes CEO Greg Foran describing Ibbotson as an operations specialist with experience simplifying complex operations and building digital and physical retail capabilities. The release is furnished under Item 7.01 and is not deemed filed for Exchange Act Section 18 purposes.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Mark Ibbotson, 63, appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer, effective September 14, 2026
- Base salary set at $1,000,000 with an annual incentive bonus target of 110% of base salary, pro-rated for 2026
- One-time restricted share grant of $1.25 million vesting ratably over three years, plus a $1.25 million performance unit award under the 2026-2028 long-term incentive plan, both to be awarded in December 2026
- Additional one-time restricted share grant of $1 million vesting ratably over two years, to be awarded in December 2026
- Eligible for an annual long-term equity grant in March 2027 with a current total target value of $5 million
- Prior experience includes Walmart U.S. (Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty; Senior Vice President of Innovation) and Asda since 2004
- No family relationships or Item 404(a) related-person transactions reported
03—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Mark Ibbotson take up the role?
His appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer is effective September 14, 2026. Kroger made the appointment on August 31, 2026 and announced it on September 2, 2026.
What is Mark Ibbotson's compensation package?
He will receive a $1,000,000 annual base salary and is eligible for an annual incentive bonus targeted at 110% of base salary, pro-rated for 2026. He will also receive a $1.25 million restricted share grant vesting over three years, a $1.25 million performance unit award under the 2026-2028 long-term incentive plan, and a $1 million restricted share grant vesting over two years, all awarded in December 2026.
What long-term equity awards is Ibbotson eligible for beyond his initial grants?
He is eligible for an annual long-term equity grant in March 2027, vesting over three years, and for performance unit awards under Kroger's Long-Term Incentive Plan, with a current total target value of $5 million.
What relocation support will Ibbotson receive?
He will participate in Kroger's standard executive relocation program, which includes temporary housing for 90 days.
What is Ibbotson's professional background?
Since 2020 he has been a strategic advisor to retail and technology companies and has served as a Senior Advisor for McKinsey & Company for the last four years. Before that, he worked at Wal-Mart U.S. and its former UK subsidiary Asda from 2004, including as Executive Vice President of Central Operations and Realty and as Senior Vice President of Innovation.
04—Continue