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Walmart CEO Doug McMillon is stepping down in 2026 after more than a decade of leadership. Here’s how his decision, and the rise of John Furner, will shape Walmart’s future.
A Major Leadership Shift at Walmart
Walmart has announced a major change at the top as Walmart CEO Doug McMillon plans to retire next year. After serving for more than a decade and guiding the company through some of the most challenging moments in retail, McMillon will hand over the role to John Furner, effective February 1, 2026.
This leadership transition marks an important chapter for Walmart, especially as the retail world faces ongoing pressure from inflation, changing customer behavior, and global economic uncertainty.
Why Doug McMillon’s Exit Matters
Doug McMillon has been more than a CEO—he has been a driving force behind Walmart’s enormous growth and transformation.
Under his leadership, Walmart:
- Strengthened its supply chain and became a price leader
- Attracted more high-income shoppers than ever before
- Expanded its grocery dominance
- Grew Walmart+ into a direct competitor to Amazon Prime
- Modernized its digital and ecommerce operations
Because of these moves, Walmart not only survived but grew stronger while many other retailers struggled.
Walmart Under McMillon: Wins and Missteps
To understand McMillon’s legacy better, here’s a quick comparison of some of his major successes and challenges.
Walmart Leadership Highlights Under Doug McMillon
| Successes | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Boosted Walmart’s stock by nearly 300% since 2014 | Jet.com acquisition did not work as expected |
| Built Walmart into a powerful ecommerce competitor | Upscale fashion expansions like Bonobos struggled |
| Improved supply chain efficiency | Some innovation bets didn’t fully pay off |
| Grew Walmart+ subscription program | Faced complex political and social issues |
Despite a few setbacks, McMillon’s impact on Walmart is undeniable. He turned the company into a modern retail machine capable of competing with the biggest players.
John Furner: The New Face of Walmart’s Future
John Furner, who currently leads Walmart’s US operations, is set to become the next Walmart CEO. Like McMillon, Furner started as an hourly associate and grew within the company.
His background includes:
- Leading 4,600 US stores
- Driving digital innovation
- Strengthening associate development
- Holding leadership roles in Sam’s Club and Walmart China
Walmart credits him with strong operational excellence and a deep understanding of what the company needs next.
With retail continuing to shift toward digital, AI-powered systems, and same-day delivery expectations, Furner is stepping in at a time when Walmart must stay sharp and aggressive.
A Look at McMillon’s Leadership Beyond Retail
Beyond growing Walmart’s business, McMillon has also made bold decisions during difficult moments.
He:
- Limited ammunition sales in 2019 after a tragic mass shooting
- Encouraged customers not to openly carry guns in stores
- Spoke out against the January 6 Capitol insurrection
- Criticized tariffs that impacted American consumers
- Served as chairman of the Business Roundtable
These actions showed that McMillon was willing to address issues outside traditional retail boundaries when they affected Walmart’s people and customers.
What Happens Next for Walmart?
Walmart confirmed that Doug McMillon will stay on the board until June and continue advising John Furner through fiscal year 2027. This smooth transition ensures stability as the company prepares for another wave of changes.
A new CEO for Walmart’s US operations will be announced soon, marking another major move to watch.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for the World’s Largest Retailer
The retirement of Walmart CEO Doug McMillon marks the end of an important era. His leadership reshaped Walmart from a traditional retail chain into a modern, technology-driven powerhouse.
As John Furner prepares to take over, the retail world is watching closely. Will Walmart continue to lead the industry? All signs point to a strong and carefully planned transition that sets the company up for long-term success.
