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Walmart CEO Doug McMillon is retiring after a decade of major transformation. Learn how his leadership shaped Walmart and what John Furner’s promotion could mean for the retailer’s future.
A New Leadership Chapter for Walmart
Walmart has announced a major shift at the top: Doug McMillon, the long-serving Walmart CEO, will retire in 2026. After spending more than ten years guiding the company through dramatic changes, he will step down on February 1, 2026.
His successor, John Furner, currently leads Walmart’s U.S. stores and is known for his grounded, people-first leadership style. Like McMillon, Furner began his journey at Walmart as an hourly associate — a detail that highlights Walmart’s tradition of promoting leaders from within.
How McMillon Redefined Walmart’s Direction
When McMillon became CEO, the retail world was shifting fast. Many companies struggled with falling consumer confidence, supply chain issues and rising tariffs. Under his leadership, Walmart used its scale and grocery strength to stay ahead of competitors.
Some of McMillon’s biggest contributions include:
- Turning Walmart into a true online competitor against Amazon
- Building Walmart+ into a strong membership program
- Strengthening supply chain operations to keep prices low
- Attracting higher-income households, one of its fastest-growing groups
He also led Walmart through several bold changes. Following the El Paso tragedy, Walmart stopped selling certain types of ammunition and discouraged open carry in stores. McMillon also openly criticized the Capitol attack and spoke out against tariffs that affected everyday shoppers.
Not every decision delivered long-term success. The costly Jet.com acquisition didn’t perform as expected, and the push into premium fashion brands didn’t fully connect with Walmart’s customer base. Even so, Walmart’s stock climbed nearly 300% during his time as CEO — a strong reflection of overall progress.
Leadership Styles: A Quick Comparison
| Leadership Attribute | Doug McMillon | John Furner |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Started as store associate | Started as hourly associate |
| Main Strengths | Digital transformation, policy leadership | Operations, innovation, associate growth |
| Known For | Walmart+, ecommerce push, supply chain overhaul | Improving store performance and team development |
| Major Challenge | Jet.com acquisition | Will face new retail pressures as CEO |
What John Furner May Bring to Walmart’s Future
John Furner has been leading Walmart U.S., which includes more than 4,600 stores. His leadership has focused on improving daily operations, developing associates and adopting new digital tools that keep stores running smoothly.
He also has international experience from his time at Sam’s Club and Walmart China. These roles give him a global understanding of retail, which will be valuable as Walmart prepares for the next decade.
Walmart has confirmed that McMillon will remain on the company’s board until June and continue advising Furner until fiscal year 2027. This support should make the transition smooth and steady.
Looking Ahead: A Fresh Era for Walmart
As Walmart moves forward, Doug McMillon’s legacy of growth and transformation will continue to shape the company. With John Furner stepping into the CEO role, Walmart enters a new era focused on innovation, efficiency and supporting its massive workforce.