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.
John Furner has served as President and CEO of Walmart U.S. since 2019. He has lived and worked in multiple countries and served as President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Furner has championed associate development, digital innovation, and operational excellence throughout his tenure.
John Furner has served as President and CEO of Walmart U.S. since 2019, overseeing the company’s largest operating segment and its nearly 4,600 stores. He began his Walmart career as an hourly associate in 1993 and has held leadership roles across merchandising, operations and sourcing.
Doug McMillon: You know, during this period of transition, it's important to think about who the company is today. We are a people-led, tech-powered, omnichannel retailer dedicated to helping people save money and live better. I love the fact, John, that it starts with we. I like that it starts with people. We are about people. We have values. We have culture. We have a heart. We serve other people. But we're also really good with technology. We're changing. We're changing how people serve, and we're more digital today. And we know there's so much more change in front of us.
John Furner: You know, over the last few years, and I've been part of the company for over three decades, it's changed so much. Some of the things that are core are the same, but I'm really proud of the way you describe that: we're people-led, and we start with our people. That's exciting, and we're tech-powered. And we have a bright future ahead of us. A lot of change in the future - where we're going to do this together, and we're going to make sure that we bring our purpose to life.
Doug McMillon: This is the right time to retire because the company is in such great shape and because John is more than ready to lead this company through another set of transformations, I suppose. We've changed a lot in the years that are behind us, but there's so much more change to come. And with John's experience, his love for the company, and his vision for the future, he's the right person to take us forward.
John Furner: I think the future is exciting, and I think we are really well positioned today. There are so many things we've done in the last few years to change the way that we serve customers in this country and many others. And I'm looking forward to helping our teams, our associates innovate, so they can be their very best for their communities.