Walmart Inc.’s announcement that John Furner will succeed Doug McMillon as president and CEO in early 2026 marks a significant leadership shift at the nation’s largest grocer — one with potential ripple effects across the fresh produce supply chain.
Walmart says Furner will step into the new roles Feb. 1, 2026. McMillon, who has served in the role for more than a decade, is set to retire Jan. 31 and remain on the board until the next annual shareholders’ meeting, according to the company.
While Walmart is not offering specifics on future category strategy, the retailer’s statements highlight themes that matter deeply to the fresh produce industry: innovation, omnichannel growth, supply chain modernization and employee-driven operational excellence.
“During this period of transition, it’s important to think about who the company is today,” McMillon says in a company video. “We are people at a tech-powered omnichannel retailer dedicated to helping people save money and live better. I love the fact, John, that [statement] starts with ‘we.’ I like that it starts with people. We are about people. We have values, we have culture, we have a heart. We serve other people, but we’re also really good with technology. We’re changing. We’re changing how people serve and we’re more digital today and we know there’s so much more change in front of us.”
In announcing the shift, Walmart’s board praised McMillon’s decade-long tenure, saying he led a comprehensive transformation that modernized the company’s supply chain and strengthened its digital capabilities. Those investments — much of which touched perishables handling, fulfillment, store operations and customer experience — helped Walmart navigate shifts in consumer shopping patterns and remain the dominant player in grocery.
“John Furner is the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation,” says Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart. “After starting as an hourly associate and being with us for over 30 years in a variety of leadership roles across all three of our operating segments, John understands every dimension of our business — from the sales floor to global strategy. He has proven that he can deliver results while living our values. John’s six-year leadership of our Walmart U.S. business during a time of rapid change, marked by digital acceleration and strong associate engagement, has positioned us for continued success.
Penner, on behalf of the board, also thanked McMillon for his leadership and impact on the company.
“Our family and board have stated many times that Doug was uniquely qualified to be CEO at the necessary time for Walmart,” he says. ”Over more than a decade as CEO, Doug led a comprehensive transformation by investing in our associates, advancing our digital and e-commerce capabilities and modernizing our supply chain, resulting in sustained, robust financial performance. He leaves Walmart stronger, more innovative and better aligned with our purpose to help people save money and live better.”
McMillon says he is grateful for the opportunity to serve as Walmart CEO.
“I’ve worked with John for more than 20 years. His love for our associates and this company runs deep,” he says. “His curiosity and digital acumen combined with a deep commitment to our people and culture will enable him to take us to the next level. He’s uniquely capable of leading the company through this next AI-driven transformation. He’s a merchant, an operator, an innovator and a builder. I know that our future is bright with his leadership.”
Furner began his Walmart career as an hourly associate in 1993 and has held leadership roles across merchandising, operations and sourcing. He has lived and worked in multiple countries and served as president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Furner has championed associate development, digital innovation and operational excellence throughout his tenure, the company says.
“I am deeply honored by the trust the board and family have placed in me to lead Walmart, a company that has shaped my life and so many others,” Furner says. “I’m grateful to Doug for his leadership and mentorship and the foundation that is built for our future. As we enter a new retail era fueled by innovation and AI, our purpose and our people will continue to guide us. Together, we’ll find new ways to serve customers, support our associates and strengthen the communities we call home.”
As the company has done with previous CEO transitions, McMillon will stay on the board until June, in addition to staying on as an adviser to Furner through fiscal year 2027. The company plans to make an announcement on Furner’s successor as CEO of Walmart U.S. before the end of FY2026.
“This is the right time to retire because the company is in such great shape and because John is more than ready to lead this company through another set of transformations. I suppose we’ve changed a lot in the years that are behind us, but there’s so much more change to come. And with John’s experience, his love for the company and his vision for the future, he’s the right person to take us forward,” McMillon says.
