Walmart Names New US CEO

Walmart has announced the departure of Greg Foran, president and CEO of Walmart U.S.

His replacement with be John Furner, who currently serves as president and CEO of Sam’s Club. Furner has worked under Foran for the last five years. He will report directly to Doug McMillon, Walmart president and CEO.

“John has done a fantastic job at Sam’s Club, and he will continue the momentum we have in Walmart U.S.,” McMillon said. “John knows our business well, having held many different jobs in the company over more than 25 years, and he is helping transform it for the future. He has the experience and judgment to know what we should continue doing and what we should change. He embraces technology and new ways of working, and he keeps our customers and Sam’s Club members at the center of everything we do, while delivering results for the business. I look forward to seeing his impact for our customers and associates in Walmart U.S.”

Furner will take over for Foran on Nov. 1. Foran is leaving Walmart to become the CEO of Air New Zealand Limited, but he’ll stay at Walmart until Jan. 31 to ensure a smooth transition.

Furner worked his way up through the retail giant, starting as an hourly associate in 1993, working part time in the garden center of a supercenter. He later became a store manager, then a district manager and then a buyer. He worked in Walmart China as a chief merchandising and marketing officer. He became the Sam’s Club president and CEO in 2017.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and ready to get started,” said Furner. “There’s no better place than Walmart U.S. to touch the lives of millions of customers and associates. Together with the team, we will build on the progress under Greg’s leadership and continue to make Walmart an even better place to work and shop. I also want to thank the Sam’s Club team. My years with you have been amazing.”