Walmart Names John Furner as Next President and Chief Executive Officer

Walmart Announces John Furner as President and Chief Executive Officer - John Furner (left) will succeed Doug McMillon (right) as President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Inc., effective February 1, 2026. McMillon will retire on January 31, 2026, but remain on the Board of Directors until the next annual shareholders’ meeting and help ensure a smooth transition.・ Photo Credit: Walmart

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BENTONVILLE, Ark., March 14, 2025 (VSNewsNetwork.com) — Retail company Walmart Inc. has appointed John Furner as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2026. Furner was also elected to the company’s Board of Directors. Doug McMillon will retire as CEO on January 31, 2026, and remain on the Board until the next annual shareholders’ meeting to support the transition.

John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart | Effective February 1, 2026 • Photo Credit: Walmart

Chairman Greg Penner says Furner’s long tenure with the company and his leadership across multiple areas prepared him for the role.

“John Furner is the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation. After starting as an hourly associate and being with us for over 30 years in a variety of leadership roles across all three of our operating segments, John understands every dimension of our business – from the sales floor to global strategy. He has proven that he can deliver results while living our values. John’s six-year leadership of our Walmart U.S. business during a time of rapid change, marked by digital acceleration and strong associate engagement, has positioned us for continued success. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Doug McMillon for his extraordinary leadership and incredible impact he has had on our company. Our family and Board have stated many times that Doug was uniquely qualified to be CEO at the necessary time for Walmart. 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, resulting 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,” said Penner.

John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart | Effective February 1, 2026 • Photo Credit: Walmart

McMillon issued a statement reflecting on his tenure.

“Serving as Walmart’s CEO has been a great honor and I’m thankful to our Board and the Walton family for the opportunity. 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. Thank you, everyone! I’ve worked with John for more than 20 years. His 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,” said McMillon.

Furner says he is focused on guiding the company into a new era of retail.

“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. I’m grateful to Doug for his leadership and mentorship and the foundation that is built for our future. As we enter a new retail era fueled by innovation and AI, our purpose and our people will continue to guide us. Together, we’ll find new ways to serve customers, support our associates, and strengthen the communities we call home,” said Furner.

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Furner currently serves as President and CEO of Walmart U.S., overseeing its largest business segment with more than 4,600 stores. He began his career as an hourly associate in 1993 and has held leadership roles in merchandising, operations, and sourcing, including serving as President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S.

McMillon will remain on the Board until June and will serve as an advisor to Furner through fiscal year 2027. The company plans to announce Furner’s successor at Walmart U.S. before the end of fiscal year 2026.

For more information, visit www.walmart.com.

Source: Walmart