Leadership Change at Walmart
Retail giant Walmart Inc. is preparing for a huge changing of the guard. McMillon, the long-serving chief executive who took over in early 2014, will retire on Jan. 31, 2026. His replacement, John Furner, who is now president and CEO of Walmart U.S., will become CEO on Feb. 1, 2026.
Furner is also joining the board of the company immediately, to facilitate his smooth transition.
What the New C.E.O. Brings & Legacy of the Outgoing Leader
John Furner has more than 30 years of experience at Walmart, starting in 1993 as an hourly associate, and then advancing through roles in merchandising and operations leadership across the company’s business before most recently becoming head of its U.S. division. His knowledge of Walmart’s broad portfolio and his internal experience makes him a natural candidate from within the organization.
During Doug McMillon’s time at the helm, Walmart has advanced its digital and omnichannel transformation, turned up investment in associates, enhanced wages and benefits and modernized supply chain facilities. Under his direction, the company expanded significantly and repositioned itself as a nimbler, tech-enabled retailer.
Why This Transition Matters
This leadership change is representative of Walmart’s focus on continuity, developing talent from within and how it will maintain the strategic momentum in this time of retail transformation. By selecting a long-time company man like Furner, Walmart is making clear that it has faith in somebody who understands the business inside and out, and is well positioned to lead its next stage of growth.
McMillon’s continued presence on the Board, and as an adviser, means that institutional knowledge remains within reach during a period of change-over. For investors, employees and stakeholders it reduces disruption while reiterating Walmart’s long-term commitment to digital innovation, supply chain resilience and investment in its workforce.
In other words, Walmart’s selection of John Furner as CEO effective February 2026 is a well-calculated leadership evolution—one that preserves legacy momentum yet passes the torch to an accomplished insider ready to navigate the company on its next leg.
Read Also: 6 Unexpected Insights from Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ Doc Trailer
