Walmart CEO McMillon to Retire in January 2026, Succeeded by John Furner
Doug McMillon will retire as Walmart CEO in January 2026 after more than a decade in charge. He has led the company since 2014, during which time Walmart invested heavily in e-commerce, built a growing advertising business, and sold the British grocery chain Asda for £6.8 billion in 2020.
John Furner, 51, who has led Walmart's US operations and previously served as president and CEO of Sam's Club, will succeed McMillon as Walmart's global CEO starting after 31 January 2026. McMillon will remain with Walmart as an adviser until early 2027 following his retirement.
Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million people worldwide, including about 1.6 million in the United States. The company has a market value around $800 billion and reported sales of $681 billion last year, representing a 5.1% increase from the prior year.
Walmart's stock fell about 3% in premarket trading upon announcement of the leadership change. Greg Penner, Walmart's chair, praised McMillon as uniquely qualified to be CEO during a critical period, leaving Walmart stronger, more innovative, and aligned with its purpose.
