John Furner: Ready to Steer Walmart’s Next Chapter | Apex

As Walmart gets ready for its next phase, all eyes are on John Furner, the new CEO stepping into the role on February 1, 2026. But Furner’s story isn’t just one of promotion, it’s a Walmart success story, through and through.

From Store Associate to CEO

John Furner’s Walmart journey began in 1993 as a part-time hourly associate in a garden center at Store 100 in Bentonville. Over three decades, he’s held nearly every kind of role, store manager, district leader, buyer, merchandising exec, and more. His experience isn't just in the U.S.: He even led Walmart China’s merchandising and marketing teams for a time.

Proven Leadership at Sam’s Club & Walmart U.S.

• Sam’s Club Years: Furner became President & CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., where he delivered 11 straight quarters of positive comparable sales growth and successfully grew membership.
• Walmart U.S.: In 2019, he took over as President & CEO of Walmart U.S., leading more than 1.5 million associates, 4,600+ stores, digital operations, and the supply chain.

What He’s Known For

• A people-first leadership style: Furner is deeply committed to associate development and engagement.
• A tech-empowered vision: He’s backed Walmart’s push into digital innovation and next-gen retail experiences.
• Global perspective: His time in China gave him insights into international merchandising, operations, and growth.

Why He’s the Right Pick Now

Walmart’s board sees Furner as uniquely positioned to lead the retailer into its next era. His deep institutional knowledge, mixed with his appetite for innovation, makes him a natural successor to Doug McMillon. As Walmart leans more into AI, digital fulfillment, and associate investment, Furner’s balanced approach could drive stable growth and transformation.