John Furner to take over as Walmart CEO in February 2026

USA – Walmart Inc. has appointed John Furner as its incoming president and chief executive officer, with his term set to begin on February 1, 2026.

The board approved Furner’s election and also added him to the company’s board of directors with immediate effect.

He will replace long serving CEO Doug McMillon, who plans to retire from the role on January 31, 2026 while remaining on the board until the next annual shareholders meeting.

Walmart chair Greg Penner said Furner’s decades with the retailer, starting as an hourly worker in 1993 and progressing through senior roles across its business units, shaped the decision to hand him the top job.

Penner credited Furner’s recent six year run leading Walmart U.S. for helping the company manage rapid shifts in digital retail and workplace engagement.

McMillon’s exit after more than a decade

McMillon said leaving the role was difficult but added that he was confident in the leadership transition after working with Furner for more than twenty years.

He highlighted the company’s expansion in digital operations, updated supply chain systems and investments in employee programs during his tenure as key changes that repositioned the retailer during his time as CEO.

He noted that the company is now preparing for what he described as another major shift driven by advances in artificial intelligence and changing customer expectations.

McMillon will continue advising Furner through the end of the 2027 financial year to support continuity.

Furner’s background

Furner said the appointment was a significant moment in his career and credited McMillon for shaping the company’s direction and mentoring him over the years.

He added that the retailer is entering a phase where technology and new forms of retail will influence how stores operate and how customers shop, and said he intends to keep employee development at the center of that work.

Furner previously held roles in merchandising, operations and sourcing, worked in several international markets and served as CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. before taking over Walmart’s domestic business in 2019.

Walmart said it expects to name the next CEO of Walmart U.S. before the end of the 2026 financial year.

Company profile

Walmart reported revenue of US$681 billion for the 2025 financial year and said its global workforce stands at about 2.1 million employees.

The retailer currently operates more than 10,750 stores across 19 countries and receives an estimated 270 million customer visits each week.

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