Walmart Announces Leadership Change: John Furner to Succeed Doug McMillon as CEO
In a significant move, Walmart Inc. is set to welcome a new leader at the helm as it wraps up its 2026 fiscal year. John Furner has been appointed to take over as president and chief executive officer, succeeding Doug McMillon.
McMillon, who is 59 years old, is scheduled to retire on January 31, with Furner, aged 51, assuming the role of CEO on February 1. The announcement, made on November 14, also revealed that Furner, currently serving as president and CEO of Walmart US, the company’s largest business unit, has been appointed to the board of directors with immediate effect. McMillon will continue to be part of the board until the next annual shareholder meeting in June and will serve as an adviser throughout fiscal 2027 to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
Walmart has disclosed its plans to unveil Furner’s successor as Walmart US CEO before the end of the current fiscal year, which concludes on January 31, 2026.
Leadership Transition and Future Growth
Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart, expressed confidence in Furner’s capabilities, stating, “John Furner is the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation.” Penner highlighted Furner’s extensive experience within the company, spanning over 30 years in various leadership roles across all operational segments. He commended Furner for his track record of delivering results while upholding the company’s values.
McMillon has been serving as Walmart’s president and CEO since February 2014, following a five-year tenure in the same positions at Walmart International. Prior to that, he led Sam’s Club as its president and CEO. McMillon’s journey with Walmart began in 1984 when he took on a summer job unloading trailers while still in high school.
Reflecting on his tenure, McMillon expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Walmart’s CEO and acknowledged the dedication of the company’s associates in serving customers, fostering teamwork, and supporting communities.
Furner, who assumed the role of president and CEO of Walmart US in November 2019, has overseen a business encompassing over 4,600 stores and achieving net sales exceeding $462 million in fiscal 2025. His tenure at Walmart began in 1993 as an hourly associate, leading to leadership positions in merchandising, operations, and sourcing. Furner’s global experience includes a stint as chief merchandising and marketing officer of Walmart China, as well as serving as president and CEO of Sam’s Club US.
Future Vision and Strategic Direction
McMillon emphasized Furner’s qualifications, citing their longstanding professional relationship and Furner’s commitment to the company’s culture and people. He noted Furner’s proficiency in digital innovation and operational excellence, positioning him as a capable leader to steer Walmart through its next phase of transformation, driven by artificial intelligence.
Under McMillon’s leadership, Walmart navigated a significant shift towards digital integration and omnichannel retailing, alongside modernizing its supply chain with automation. The company’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence has been a cornerstone of its business strategy, contributing to a substantial increase in net sales from approximately $473 billion in fiscal 2014 to nearly $675 billion in fiscal 2025.
Penner acknowledged McMillon’s contributions, recognizing his role in spearheading Walmart’s comprehensive transformation by investing in associates, enhancing digital capabilities, and streamlining the supply chain. He credited McMillon for leaving Walmart in a stronger position, aligned with its mission of enabling people to save money and enhance their quality of life.
The leadership transition at Walmart signifies a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution, with Furner poised to lead the organization towards continued growth and innovation.