Wallmart’s Doug McMillon to Retire, John Furner to Take Over

In a significant corporate leadership transition, Walmart Inc. has announced that CEO Doug McMillon will retire on January 31, 2026, after leading the global retail giant for over a decade. He will be succeeded by John Furner, the current CEO of Walmart U.S., who will officially step into the role of President and CEO of Walmart Inc. on February 1, 2026. This leadership change marks a crucial moment for the company as it navigates a rapidly changing retail environment shaped by digital transformation, inflationary pressures, and evolving consumer preferences.

Doug McMillon: A Decade of Transformation

Doug McMillon has served as Walmart’s CEO since February 2014, overseeing a period of rapid evolution. Under his leadership, Walmart made significant strides in,

• Expanding its e-commerce footprint globally
• Modernising its supply chains through technology
• Acquiring digital-first companies like Flipkart and Jet.com
• Strengthening sustainability and ESG commitments

His strategic decisions positioned Walmart as a formidable player in both online and offline retail markets. McMillon will continue to serve in an advisory role until 2027 and remain on the board until the next shareholders’ meeting.

John Furner: A Veteran Insider to Lead Walmart

The appointment of John Furner signals Walmart’s confidence in internal talent and leadership continuity. Furner began his career with Walmart in 1993 as an hourly store associate and steadily rose through the ranks. He has held leadership positions in,

• Merchandising and Operations
• Sam’s Club (as CEO)
• Walmart U.S. (as CEO since 2019)

Known for his deep operational expertise and customer-focused leadership, Furner is expected to continue Walmart’s strategic focus on omnichannel retail, technology integration, and supply chain resilience.

Key Static Facts

• Current CEO of Walmart (retiring): Doug McMillon
• Date of McMillon’s retirement: 31st January 2026
• New CEO from February 2026: John Furner
• Current position of John Furner: CEO of Walmart U.S.
• Effective date of leadership change: 1st February 2026
• McMillon’s advisory role continues until: 2027
• Walmart U.S. footprint: Over 4,600 stores, 1.5 million+ employees
• McMillon became CEO in: February 2014