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Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen has stepped down immediately following an internal investigation that found his personal conduct did not align with the company's ethics policies.

The grocery chain announced his departure on Monday, though specific details of the conduct were not disclosed.

In a statement, Kroger clarified that McMullen's resignation is not connected to the company's financial performance, operations, or reporting, and did not involve any Kroger employees.

The company was first alerted to concerns regarding McMullen's personal conduct on February 21 and quickly appointed outside independent counsel to conduct an investigation, overseen by a special board committee.

According to CNN, Ronald Sargent, a member of Kroger's board since 2006, will serve as interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement.

He has also been appointed chairman of the board. Mark Sutton will assume Sargent's previous role as lead director.

"As interim CEO, I am committed to working alongside our proven and experienced management team and dedicated associates to ensure Kroger continues providing exceptional value for our customers," Sargent stated in a press release."I plan to be a steady but active hand in executing our strategy."

Kroger CEO Resigns Following Internal Investigation and Merger Collapse

McMullen's departure marks the end of a nearly five-decade career at Kroger. He started as a part-time stock clerk in 1978 and gradually ascended through the ranks. Before becoming CEO in 2014, he held key leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer.

Under his leadership, Kroger's annual sales surged from $98 billion to $150 billion, and the company expanded by acquiring grocery chains like Harris Teeter and Roundy's, USA Today said.

His exit also follows the collapse of Kroger's $25 billion merger with rival Albertsons. The deal, which aimed to create a grocery giant capable of competing with industry leaders like Walmart and Amazon, was blocked by court orders in December.

In response, Albertsons sued Kroger, alleging it failed to take the necessary steps to secure regulatory approval for the merger.

In addition to the failed merger, Kroger recently announced plans to lay off an unspecified number of employees, adding another challenge to the company's leadership transition.

Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, operates over 2,700 stores across 35 states under banners including Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Fry's, King Soopers, and Mariano's.

Despite the leadership shake-up, the company remains focused on maintaining its market position and customer service excellence.