John Furner takes on top job at Walmart, Doug McMillon tipped to run for President in 2028 or 2032
Walmart has elected John Furner to succeed Doug McMillon as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st February 2026.
“John is the right leader to guide us into our next chapter of growth and transformation,” says Greg Penner, Chairman at 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."
"On behalf of the board, I want to thank Doug McMillon for his extraordinary leadership and incredible impact he has had on our company. Our family and board have stated many times that Doug was uniquely qualified to be CEO at the necessary time for Walmart.”
“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 modernising 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.”
A loss
Neil Saunders, Managing Director and Retail Analytcs at GlobalData Retail, commented: "Since McMillon took over the top job in 2014, Walmart’s shares have risen by 300%. That’s impressive. But the rise is not some fluke: it’s the result of very solid strategies and brilliant execution - both of which have been taken while respecting the culture of Walmart and, most importantly, the consumer."
"You can see it in everything from e-commerce to retail media to new brand launches to store redesigns to attracting younger shoppers. The most interesting thing to me is that while Walmart is huge, its humility and constant willingness to listen and improve give it the entrepreneurial spirit of a much smaller entity."
"Doug will be missed and his departure is a loss. Fortunately, Walmart has a strong leader waiting in the wings in the shape of John Furner. Both Doug and John started as associates at Walmart. Their advance shows how meritocratic Walmart is. But they also show how deeply Walmart values retail experience and the connection with the shop floor. That was Sam Walton’s way. It is still the way today."
McMillon weighing up President run?
McMillon could now have his sights set on the White House, according to Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "McMillon is the rare executive who can walk into a union hall, a boardroom, a rural church, or a Silicon Valley office and speak with equal credibility."
"Independents will look for competence over chaos, experience over entertainment, moderation over ideology. They won’t want a culture warrior. They will want a leader and a crisis manager. And McMillon checks every box."
"But does McMillon want to be President? You don't become the youngest CEO in the history of Walmart without being a political animal. Hell yes, McMillon wants to be President. He knows more about what's about to happen economically in America than any politician."
Ladd concluded: "I believe that deep down, McMillon wants a confrontation with the Republicans and Democrats who he believes are leading the country down the wrong path. He had to play nice as the CEO of Walmart. Wait and watch. McMillon will soon be speaking his mind."
"Hail to the Chief. McMillon is the right man at the right time in history. I believe he will run for President in 2028 or 2032 as a Democrat, and he should be favoured to win the nomination and the Presidency if he runs."
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Retail media was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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