Key Takeaways

• John Furner will succeed Doug McMillon as Walmart’s President and CEO starting February 1, 2026.
• Furner, a 30-year Walmart veteran, is currently the CEO of Walmart U.S. and has extensive leadership experience across various sectors of the company.
• The transition aims to ensure continuity in Walmart’s digital transformation and operational strategies.

Leadership Transition at Walmart

Walmart has announced that John Furner will take over as President and Chief Executive Officer on February 1, 2026, following the retirement of Doug McMillon at the end of January. Furner, who is currently the CEO of Walmart U.S., has been elected to the company’s board and will begin his transition into the global CEO role early next year. McMillon, who has held the position for over a decade, will continue to serve on the board until the annual meeting in 2026 and will advise Furner during the fiscal year 2027.

With over 30 years of service at Walmart, Furner has gained extensive experience, starting as an hourly associate and working his way through various leadership roles. He has previously overseen merchandising, operations, sourcing, and Sam’s Club, managing more than 4,600 stores in his current U.S. role. His extensive background positions him well to lead the company through its next phase.

This change in leadership comes at a crucial time for Walmart, which has been focusing on accelerated investments in digital technology and operational restructuring under McMillon’s tenure. With digital transformation and modernization being essential elements of Walmart’s growth strategy, Furner’s appointment is viewed as a strategic move to maintain momentum in these areas.

In the wake of this transition, Walmart has indicated plans to appoint a new leader for Walmart U.S. before the conclusion of FY2026. This leadership shuffle reflects the company’s commitment to evolving its operational strategies and integrating AI-driven retail solutions while ensuring a continuity of vision with an internally promoted leader.

As Walmart looks toward the future, Furner’s elevation represents a significant step in continuing the company’s trajectory of adapting to the changing retail landscape while maintaining strong operational foundations set by McMillon.

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