Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to Retire; Longtime Insider John Furner Named Successor
Walmart announces a major leadership transition as CEO Doug McMillon prepares to retire after reshaping the retailer into a tech-forward global powerhouse, with U.S. division chief John Furner set to take the helm.
Walmart has announced that CEO Doug McMillon will retire next year, bringing an end to a decade-long tenure marked by rapid technological expansion and consistent market outperformance. The company said McMillon will step down on Jan. 31, with longtime executive John Furner named as his successor.
McMillon, 59, has led Walmart through a transformative period that strengthened its position in both ecommerce and traditional retail.
His retirement, though planned, came earlier than some analysts expected, contributing to a slight dip in Walmart’s shares during midday trading.
John Furner, 51, currently leading Walmart’s U.S. division, will assume the role after more than 30 years with the company. His appointment is widely seen as a natural fit due to his extensive experience and deep cultural alignment with the organization.
Analysts noted that McMillon’s tenure represents one of the most successful leadership periods in Walmart history. Many credit him for modernizing the company, improving operational efficiency, and introducing new technologies across stores and fulfillment centers.
Under McMillon’s leadership, Walmart leveraged its widespread store network to strengthen ecommerce capabilities and accelerate delivery speeds. He also expanded the company’s marketplace platform and advertising business, pushing Walmart further into the digital economy.
During his decade as CEO, Walmart’s market value more than tripled, reaching approximately $817 billion. The company’s global ecommerce revenue also surged from just over $10 billion to more than $120 billion in its most recent fiscal year.
Retail experts say Walmart’s strong performance has been driven by a blend of digital innovation and strategic expansion. These advances positioned the retailer as a formidable competitor to major online players.
McMillon, who joined Walmart as an hourly associate in 1984, will continue to serve as an adviser until January 2027. He previously held leadership roles across Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam’s Club before taking on the CEO position in 2014.
Furner has followed a similar path, starting as an hourly associate and holding multiple leadership positions, including heading Sam’s Club.
His deep operational knowledge and long-standing commitment to Walmart were factors in his selection.
Analysts say Furner steps into the role at a critical moment as Walmart accelerates its adoption of artificial intelligence. These emerging technologies are reshaping inventory management, supply chain operations and customer engagement.
McMillon said that Furner is “uniquely capable” of guiding Walmart through the next phase of AI-driven retail transformation. Industry observers agree, noting Furner’s strong leadership record and alignment with Walmart’s long-term strategy.
The transition highlights Walmart’s tradition of stable, long-serving leadership, with only six CEOs in the company’s history since 1962. Each of those leaders has overseen significant periods of growth and adaptation within the retail giant.
Retail analysts describe Walmart as a stronger and more technologically advanced company than ever before. They credit McMillon for steering Walmart into new sectors, improving operational agility and reinforcing its global presence.
Furner’s appointment comes amid broader leadership changes across the retail industry. Major chains including Kohl’s, Kroger and Target have also announced CEO transitions this year as the sector navigates economic pressures and shifting consumer behavior.
Walmart will report quarterly earnings next week, offering a snapshot of its performance heading into the leadership change.
Investors and analysts are watching closely to see whether the company maintains its momentum during this transition period.
