Core Viewpoint - Walmart's longtime CEO Doug McMillon will retire in January 2026, with John Furner, the current CEO of Walmart US, set to take over on February 1, 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the company [1][10]. Group 1: John Furner's Background and Career - John Furner began his career at Walmart in 1993 as an hourly store associate, earning $4.50 per hour, and has since climbed the corporate ladder over a thirty-plus-year career [2][3][10]. - Furner graduated with a business degree from the University of Arkansas and has held various roles, including CEO of Sam's Club in 2017 and CEO of Walmart's US division in 2019 [2][10]. - During his tenure at Sam's Club, Furner achieved 11 consecutive quarters of positive sales comparisons and strong membership growth [3][10]. Group 2: Leadership Roles and Contributions - Furner has held several key positions at Walmart, including assistant store manager, district manager, and vice president of global sourcing, among others [4][6][10]. - He served as the head of marketing and merchandising for Walmart China and was the chief merchant for Sam's Club in the United States [6][10]. - Furner has been involved with the National Retail Federation's board of directors, serving as chairman from 2022 to 2025 [6][10]. Group 3: Transition and Future Vision - Greg Penner, Chairman of Walmart Inc, expressed confidence in Furner's ability to lead the company into its next chapter of growth and transformation, highlighting his comprehensive understanding of the business [7][10]. - Doug McMillon praised Furner's commitment to associates and the company, noting his curiosity and digital acumen as key attributes for future success [8][10]. - Furner emphasized his gratitude for the trust placed in him and outlined a vision for innovation and AI-driven retail, focusing on serving customers and supporting associates [9][10].