Walmart announced Friday that longtime CEO Doug McMillon will step down after more than ten years steering the nation’s largest retailer through unprecedented change. John Furner, currently heading Walmart U.S., will take the helm after the company’s fiscal year concludes on February 1. McMillon, 59, will remain on the board through spring before fully departing.
From Store Worker to Corporate Leadership
Furner, 51, represents Walmart’s tradition of promoting from within. He started his career at Walmart as an hourly worker in 1993 and has steadily climbed the corporate ladder to oversee more than 4,600 stores across the United States. His deep understanding of both store operations and corporate strategy positions him well for the top role during a critical period of retail evolution.
A Transformation Legacy
McMillon’s decade at the helm transformed Walmart from a traditional big-box retailer into a retail and e-commerce powerhouse. Under his leadership, the company boosted revenue and market value while simultaneously raising employee wages and improving benefits—a rare combination in corporate America. His tenure demonstrated that growth and worker care could coexist successfully.
The leadership transition signals a new chapter for a company that rarely changes CEOs and has historically promoted leaders who understand its culture and values. Furner’s appointment continues this established pattern while positioning Walmart for the next phase of digital and operational innovation in an increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape.