After reviewing former Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen's explanation of his abrupt resignation, a Hamilton County judge has agreed to block attorneys' attempts to question the long-time head of the supermarket giant about his departure from the retailer in open court. CEO since 2014 until March of this year, McMullen left Kroger amid a company ethics investigation that found his "personal conduct" was "inconsistent" with policy. Few further details have since been revealed about what led to his departure. Judge: McMullen's exit 'not relevant' to dispute with Jewel Then attorneys for Grammy-nominated singer Jewel, who is suing for being pushed out of the Kroger Wellness Festival, sought answers arguing McMullen's ethics might be pertinent to their case. But court records show that Judge Christian Jenkins has decided they were not.