NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Doug McMillon, Walmart’s chief executive for more than a decade, will step down next year. The retail giant announced Friday that McMillon will retire and hand the reins to John Furner on Feb. 1, 2026. The move marks a major leadership change at the world’s largest retailer and comes during a challenging moment for the consumer economy.
McMillon has led Walmart since 2014. He started with the company as a store associate and rose through key leadership roles, including posts at Sam’s Club and Walmart’s international division. Under his leadership, Walmart became a stronger competitor in the digital marketplace and expanded its reach far beyond its traditional store base.
He pushed Walmart to invest heavily in e-commerce, supply chain upgrades, and technology. The company built Walmart+ to compete with Amazon Prime and grew its online marketplace. These efforts helped secure Walmart’s position as a dominant force in the retail sector. Walmart’s stock has climbed about 300% during his tenure, reflecting strong investor confidence.
McMillon also faced turbulent moments in the industry. Sinking consumer sentiment, rising tariffs, and shifts in shopping behavior reshaped the market. Yet Walmart expanded its customer base, especially among households earning more than $100,000 a year. Its focus on low prices, strong grocery operations, and reliable supply chains helped the company avoid the struggles faced by many competitors.
McMillon became known as a CEO willing to make bold and sometimes controversial choices. In 2019, Walmart stopped selling certain types of ammunition after a mass shooting at one of its stores in El Paso, Texas. He also asked customers not to openly carry firearms in Walmart locations. His decision drew national attention and sparked conversations about corporate responsibility and gun safety.
He spoke out on several national issues, including the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and President Donald Trump’s tariffs. He also served as chairman of the Business Roundtable for two years, representing nearly 200 CEOs on key policy matters in Washington.
However, not all his moves paid off. The $3 billion purchase of Jet.com failed to deliver the expected results. Walmart later shut down the standalone business and absorbed its operations into Walmart.com. His push into upscale apparel brands, including Bonobos, also produced mixed outcomes.
Walmart named John Furner as McMillon’s successor. Furner currently serves as CEO and president of Walmart U.S., the company’s largest division, with more than 4,600 stores. Like McMillon, Furner began his Walmart career as an hourly associate. He joined the company in 1993 and went on to hold leadership roles at Sam’s Club and Walmart China.
Walmart credited Furner with strengthening associate development, improving digital innovation, and driving operational excellence in the U.S. business. Company leaders said he is well-positioned to guide Walmart through its next phase of growth.
Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart Inc., praised McMillon for leading a “comprehensive transformation” of the company. He said McMillon’s leadership reshaped Walmart’s technology, e-commerce, and supply chain operations and delivered strong financial results.
Walmart said McMillon will remain on its board until next June. He will also serve as an adviser to Furner through fiscal year 2027 to support a smooth transition. The company will name a new U.S. CEO at a later date.
The leadership change arrives as the retail industry faces shifting economic pressures. Consumers are watching prices closely, and retailers must navigate uncertain demand and geopolitical challenges. Walmart’s emphasis on value, digital expansion, and customer experience will remain central to its strategy.
