Walmart‘s U.S. CEO John Furner to Led Company Through AI Change
John Furner, a 30-year Walmart veteran who began his career as an hourly employee, is poised to lead teh retail giant through its next phase of growth and an increasingly pivotal AI-driven transformation. The announcement comes as current Walmart CEO Doug McMillon steps down after more than a decade, during which the company’s stock has more than quadrupled.
Furner’s appointment signals a continuation of Walmart’s focus on leveraging its vast scale and deep understanding of the American consumer, now with a sharpened emphasis on artificial intelligence. He will guide the company – which operates over 4,600 stores in the U.S. – as it navigates a rapidly evolving retail landscape and seeks to capitalize on the potential of AI to reshape its business. The company plans to name Furner’s successor as CEO of Walmart’s American business before the end of fiscal year 2026.
As 2019, Furner has served as CEO of Walmart in the United States, overseeing a division critical to the company’s overall performance. McMillon,who has worked with furner for 20 years,highlighted his leadership ability to navigate this “next AI-driven transformation.”
“John understands all dimensions of our business, from the sales floor to global strategy,” stated Greg Penner, Chairman of the Board of directors. “He is the ideal leader to guide Walmart through our next stage of growth and transformation.”
McMillon will remain on the board of directors until June and will serve as an advisor to Furner through fiscal 2027, ensuring a smooth transition.The leadership change occurs alongside a recent shift in Walmart Mexico’s leadership, with Cristian Barrientos Pozo recently named president.