Leadership Transition — Doug McMillon's Legacy and John Furner's Era

On January 31, 2026, Doug McMillon handed the CEO role to John Furner after a 12-year tenure that transformed Walmart into a "people-led, tech-powered" omnichannel retailer. Furner, who once started as an hourly associate, is reorganizing leadership around enterprise platforms. Understanding this leadership transition is essential for any 2026 Walmart candidate — it's the most visible strategic pivot in the company's recent history.