Walmart reshuffles executive team ahead of Furner’s takeover as global CEO

Walmart introduced a collection of executive adjustments on Friday as John Furner prepares to take over as CEO of the world’s largest retailer on February 1, changing Doug McMillon.

The strikes purpose to keep up the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer’s progress momentum and bellwether place within the trade by selling 4 longtime executives and increasing their duties.

David Guggina will develop into ‌CEO of Walmart’s largest division, Walmart U.S., changing Furner in that function. Currently serving ​as chief e-commerce officer of Walmart U.S., Guggina has spent almost eight years on the retailer in numerous positions, together with executive vice chairman of provide chain operations.

The U.S. CEO place is extremely coveted, as Walmart ‍usually promotes leaders from this division, which generates round two-thirds of its annual income, to the highest company job.

Walmart additionally promoted Chris Nicholas to CEO of its $100 billion Walmart International division, a day after saying that present head Kathryn ⁠McLay would depart the corporate. Nicholas at the moment leads Sam’s Club, the place he can be changed by the ‍chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., Latriece Watkins.

Additionally, Seth Dallaire, at the moment Walmart U.S. chief progress officer, will develop his duties globally ‌as ‌chief progress officer of Walmart Inc, the corporate stated in an announcement.

All management adjustments take impact on February 1.

“These leadership changes mark a key step in how we organize for the future. Even the best teams need the right structure to win,” Furner stated.

According to an organization submitting, Furner’s annual base wage is ready at $1.5 ⁠million. He will obtain ⁠a one-time inventory award ​value $10 million and be eligible for an annual fairness award valued at roughly $17 million in fiscal 2027.

The strikes come at a crucial time for Walmart as it navigates home inflation pressures and strains on lower-income U.S. households. President Donald Trump’s unstable ‍commerce insurance policies have weighed on the corporate’s operations and provide chain relationships with key progress markets, together with China, India, and Mexico.

Despite these challenges, Walmart has carried out strongly. The firm has reported quarterly income progress for almost a decade straight, and its shares ​hit a report excessive this week. The inventory gained 21% in ‍2025, considerably outpacing the 1.3% rise within the S&P 500 Consumer Staples index. Walmart’s shares have been flat at $118.67 in morning buying and selling on ​Friday.