Walmart Announces Appointment of John Furner as CEO
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced today that its Board of Directors has elected John Furner, 51, to become the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Inc., succeeding longtime CEO Doug McMillon, 59. The leadership transition will take effect on February 1, 2026, marking a significant generational shift at the world’s largest retailer. As part of the transition, Furner has also been elected to the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. McMillon, who has served as CEO since 2014, will retire from the position on January 31, 2026, but will continue to serve on the Board until the next annual shareholders’ meeting as part of an intentional and structured succession plan.
In announcing the transition, Greg Penner, Chairman of Walmart Inc., emphasized the strength of Furner’s leadership background and the deep institutional knowledge he brings to the role. “John Furner is the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation,” Penner said. “After starting as an hourly associate and being with us for more than 30 years in a wide range of leadership roles across all three of our operating segments, John understands every dimension of our business – from the sales floor to global strategy.”
Penner noted that Furner’s experience leading Walmart U.S. during a period of intense industry change makes him uniquely capable of navigating the evolving retail landscape. Over the past six years, Furner has overseen Walmart’s largest business unit, managing more than 4,600 stores and playing a central role in driving digital acceleration, omnichannel expansion, and stronger associate engagement. “He has proven that he can deliver results while living our values,” Penner added. “John’s leadership of our Walmart U.S. business during a time of rapid change has positioned us for continued success.”
Penner also delivered an extensive tribute to outgoing CEO Doug McMillon, whose tenure marked one of the most significant transformation periods in Walmart’s history. “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Doug McMillon for his extraordinary leadership and the incredible impact he has had on our company,” he said. “Over more than a decade as CEO, Doug led a comprehensive transformation by investing in our associates, advancing our digital and eCommerce capabilities, and modernizing our supply chain. These efforts resulted in sustained, robust financial performance. He leaves Walmart stronger, more innovative, and better aligned with our purpose to help people save money and live better.”
During McMillon’s 10-plus years at the helm, Walmart expanded its global eCommerce presence, acquired and integrated major tech and digital businesses, strengthened wages and benefits for frontline associates, and accelerated sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. He also guided the company through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing Walmart’s essential role in serving communities during times of need. His steady leadership, according to Penner and other board members, helped create a foundation for Walmart to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven retail environment.
Reflecting on his tenure, McMillon expressed gratitude toward Walmart’s associates and confidence in Furner’s ability to lead the company into its next era. “Serving as Walmart’s CEO has been a great honor, and I’m thankful to our Board and the Walton family for the opportunity,” McMillon said. “I’m incredibly proud of what our associates accomplished and deeply grateful for their commitment to our customers, to each other, and to the communities we serve.”
McMillon also shared a personal endorsement of Furner, with whom he has worked closely for more than two decades. “John’s love for our associates and this company runs deep. His curiosity and digital acumen, combined with a deep commitment to our people and culture, will enable him to take us to the next level. He’s uniquely capable of leading the company through this next AI-driven transformation. He’s a merchant, an operator, an innovator, and a builder. I know that our future is bright with his leadership.”
Furner, who has held a wide range of operational, merchandising, sourcing, and executive positions since joining Walmart as an hourly associate in 1993, expressed deep appreciation for the trust placed in him by the Board and the Walton family. “I am deeply honored by the trust the Board and family have placed in me to lead Walmart, a company that has shaped my life and so many others,” he said. Furner also thanked McMillon personally. “I’m grateful to Doug for his leadership, mentorship, and the foundation he has built for our future.”
In discussing the road ahead, Furner emphasized Walmart’s ongoing transformation and its focus on innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, automation, and next-generation retail capabilities. “As we enter a new retail era fueled by innovation and AI, our purpose and our people will continue to guide us,” he said. “Together, we’ll find new ways to serve customers, support our associates, and strengthen the communities we call home.”
Furner’s leadership style has been described as collaborative, people-centered, and operationally grounded. During his time as President and CEO of Walmart U.S., he has championed associate development programs, strengthened Walmart’s omnichannel shopping experiences, and prioritized operational excellence. Prior to leading Walmart U.S., he served as President and CEO of Sam’s Club, where he focused on driving membership growth, expanding digital capabilities, and enhancing the overall shopping experience for club members. His experience living and working internationally also brings a global perspective to his new role.
The transition plan mirrors Walmart’s established approach to CEO succession, emphasizing continuity and stability. McMillon will remain on the Board of Directors until June 2026 and will continue to serve as an advisor to Furner through fiscal year 2027, ensuring a smooth, well-supported handoff of strategic initiatives. Walmart also confirmed that an announcement regarding Furner’s successor as CEO of Walmart U.S. will be made before the end of FY2026.
With this leadership transition, Walmart is signaling a continued commitment to long-term growth, digital innovation, and associate-centered leadership. As the company moves into the next phase of its evolution, guided by the opportunities presented by AI, automation, and global supply chain modernization, the appointment of John Furner marks the beginning of a new chapter shaped by deep operational experience and a forward-looking vision for the future of retail.
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