Walmart has announced an impending change in the C suite as John Furner will succeed Doug McMillon as president and chief executive officer of the Bentonville-based global retailer, effective Feb 1, 2026. Furner was also elected to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately, Walmart said in a release.
Furner, 51, has served as president and CEO of Walmart U.S. since 2019, overseeing the company’s largest operating segment and its more than 4,600 stores. He began his career with the company as an hourly associate in 1993 and has held leadership roles across merchandising, operations and sourcing, both in the United States and abroad. Previous roles have included as President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S.
The company plans to make an announcement on Furner’s successor as CEO of Walmart U.S. before the end of FY2026, per the announcement.
John Furner
“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,” Furner said in a statement. “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.”
McMillon, 59, who spent more than a decade in the CEO role, plans to retire on Jan. 31, 2026. The company announced as per previous CEO transitions, McMillon will stay on the board until June, in addition to serving as an advisor to Furner through FY2027.
“Serving as Walmart’s CEO has been a great honor and I’m thankful to our Board and the Walton family for the opportunity,” McMillion said in the release. “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.”
Each week, approximately 270 million customers and members visit more than 10,750 Walmart stores worldwide and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates globally and generated $681 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025.
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