Kroger Co. replaced Chief Executive Officer Rodney McMullen following an investigation into his personal conduct, casting a shadow on the supermarket operator’s path forward following a failed deal and a string of management departures under the longtime leader.

The grocery chain said it had investigated its chief executive, Rodney McMullen, and found that his actions were “inconsistent” with its business ethics policy.

Mark Sutton named lead independent director immediately. Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen has resigned from the grocery giant following a board investigation of his personal conduct that was unrelated to the business but was inconsistent with the company’s policy on business ethics.