“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” These words resonate deeply with Carine Kraus, the Executive Director of Engagement at Carrefour and a key member of its Group Executive Committee.

For Carine, leadership isn’t about headlines, it’s about heart. When she took on her role, she didn’t just see one of the world’s largest retailers; she saw a platform for impact. Her vision was clear: businesses must go beyond profits to meet the moment, climate urgency, social inequality, and evolving customer values demand it.

Carine led Carrefour’s bold pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 20 megatons by 2030. She championed the Food Transition Pact, a powerful collaboration with suppliers, placing sustainability at the center of operations, not as a corporate obligation, but as a shared mission.

Yet, her impact extends far beyond the environment. Carine is deeply human in her approach to leadership. She introduced policies that support women through health challenges and stood firm on issues of equity and representation in the workplace. Her influence is reshaping what leadership looks like, empathetic, action-oriented, and future-focused.

At her core, Carine Kraus believes real change begins from within. And at Carrefour, she’s turning that belief into reality, one decision, one policy, one partnership at a time.

 

Origins at the Crossroads: The Birth of a Retail Giant

In 1958, at a literal crossroads in Annecy, France, three visionaries—Marcel Fournier, Denis Defforey, and Jacques Defforey—planted the seeds of what would become Carrefour. Inspired by American retail innovations, they introduced a revolutionary concept to Europe: the hypermarket. This amalgamation of a supermarket and department store under one roof debuted in 1963 in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois, setting a new standard for consumer shopping experiences.

The name "Carrefour," meaning "crossroads" in French, aptly symbolizes the company's foundational ethos: a convergence point for diverse products, services, and customer needs. This pioneering spirit propelled Carrefour beyond French borders, leading to its acquisition of Euromarché in 1991 and expansion into markets like Brazil, where it acquired Atacadão in 2007 . These strategic moves solidified Carrefour's position as a global retail powerhouse.

However, Carrefour's journey hasn't been without challenges. In 2014, the company exited the Indian market due to underperformance. Yet, demonstrating resilience, Carrefour announced a re-entry into India in 2024 through a franchise partnership with Dubai-based Apparel Group, targeting North India with plans for nationwide expansion . This move underscores Carrefour's adaptability and commitment to growth in emerging markets.

Today, Carrefour operates over 14,000 stores worldwide, serving millions of customers daily. Its evolution from a single store in France to a global retail leader exemplifies a relentless pursuit of innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic expansion.

 

Digital Renaissance: Embracing Technological Transformation

Recognizing the shifting tides of consumer behavior and technological advancement, Carrefour embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation strategy in 2018. Central to this initiative is the "move2cloud" program, aiming to migrate all IT systems to the cloud by 2026. As of now, 30% of applications have transitioned, enhancing operational agility and scalability.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in Carrefour's modernization efforts. The company leverages AI to optimize supply chain management, predict customer demand, and reduce food waste. Notably, Carrefour's AI-driven inventory management has contributed to a 40% reduction in food waste compared to 2016 levels.

In 2025, Carrefour launched 'ai.carrefour,' an AI solution based on Google's Gemini 2.0, designed to facilitate digital transitions for employees and enhance customer service. This initiative includes training programs to integrate AI into daily operations, reflecting Carrefour's commitment to fostering a digitally adept workforce.

Blockchain technology further exemplifies Carrefour's innovative approach. By allowing customers to scan QR codes on product packaging, Carrefour provides transparency into product lifecycles, reinforcing trust and informed purchasing decisions.

These technological advancements signify Carrefour's dedication to evolving with the digital age, ensuring enhanced efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sustainable practices.

 

Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Beyond Profit

Carrefour's commitment to sustainability extends beyond operational efficiency. In a significant move, the company partnered with GreenYellow to install solar panels across approximately 350 stores in France, aiming to generate around 450 GWh of electricity annually—meeting about 20% of the stores' power needs.

In Spain, Carrefour eliminated paper brochures in favor of digital formats, a decision that saves over 15,000 tons of paper annually. While this shift promotes environmental conservation, it also highlights the company's drive towards digital integration.

However, Carrefour's sustainability efforts have faced scrutiny. A report by the NewClimate Institute and Carbon Market Watch criticized the company's climate strategies, suggesting that its net-zero pledges lack transparency and rely heavily on carbon offsets . This underscores the importance of accountability and continuous improvement in corporate sustainability initiatives.

Despite criticisms, Carrefour's initiatives like the BuyBye app, which offers discounts on near-expiry products, demonstrate innovative approaches to reducing food waste and promoting responsible consumption . These efforts reflect a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

 

The Road Ahead: Navigating Future Crossroads

Under the leadership of CEO Alexandre Bompard since 2017, Carrefour has embraced a vision of becoming a "Digital Retail Company." This entails a focus on e-commerce, with goals to triple online sales to €10 billion by 2026, and investments in digital commerce and profits.

Carrefour's re-entry into the Indian market signifies a strategic move to tap into a vast consumer base. By partnering with local entities like the Apparel Group, Carrefour aims to navigate the complexities of the Indian retail landscape effectively.

The company's emphasis on data analytics and retail media, through platforms like Carrefour Links, positions it to become a leader in personalized marketing and customer engagement . Additionally, the digitization of financial services and the integration of AI and blockchain technologies are set to redefine Carrefour's operational and customer service paradigms.

As Carrefour stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, its journey reflects the dynamic nature of global retail. By balancing technological advancement with sustainability and customer-centric strategies, Carrefour continues to navigate the ever-evolving crossroads of commerce.