Walmart is executing a major leadership shift, with John Furner set to assume the role of chief executive officer on February 1, 2026. The change marks the culmination of a strategic executive restructuring across the company's senior ranks.
- John Furner to become CEO on February 1, 2026
- Fiscal year 2025 revenue: $639 billion
- Same-store sales growth: 3.4% globally
- Adjusted EPS increased 7.2% YoY to $6.89
- New roles include president of Walmart U.S. and chief growth officer
- Target: 5% annual operational efficiency improvement by 2027
Walmart has confirmed a significant overhaul of its executive leadership structure, effective at the start of February 2026. John Furner, currently serving as president and chief operating officer, will succeed Doug McMillon as CEO. The transition follows McMillon’s planned departure after nearly a decade at the helm, during which he led Walmart through digital transformation, international expansion, and supply chain optimization. The leadership reshuffle includes several key appointments across functional divisions. In addition to Furner’s ascension, Michael J. Kausler has been named president of Walmart U.S., while Marc Lore will take on the newly created role of chief growth officer, overseeing e-commerce and marketplace initiatives. These moves reflect Walmart’s ongoing effort to strengthen operational agility and accelerate innovation amid rising competition from Amazon and other retail tech firms. Financial performance data underscores the urgency behind the management shift. Walmart reported fiscal year 2025 revenue of $639 billion, with same-store sales increasing 3.4% globally—below analysts’ expectations for sustained double-digit growth. Adjusted earnings per share rose 7.2% year-over-year to $6.89, signaling moderate improvement despite inflationary pressures and shifting consumer spending habits. The leadership transition is expected to impact investor sentiment and stock performance. Walmart shares closed at $167.42 on January 15, 2026, up 1.6% over the prior month. Analysts anticipate the new executive team will prioritize investments in automation, supply chain resilience, and private-label product development to drive future growth. Key personnel changes also affect regional oversight. The newly appointed executives are tasked with delivering a 5% annual efficiency improvement across operations by 2027, aiming to bolster margins without compromising customer service quality.