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.

Kroger 's longtime leader Rodney McMullen abruptly resigned March 2 following a personal conduct probe initiated in February, ending a nearly 50-year career with the Cincinnati-based grocery giant. Here's what we know – and don't – about his career with the nation's largest traditional supermarket chain, and it's sudden end.

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