From warehouse to CEO: McMillon hands Walmart reins to Furner

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

NEW YORK, USA —  Doug McMillon, who began his career at Walmart as a warehouse worker 35 years ago, is stepping down as CEO on Feb. 1, handing the leadership to company veteran John Furner.

The leadership transition at the U.S. retail giant, which generated $681 billion in revenue last year and employs 2.1 million people, reinforces the company's tradition of cultivating top executives who rose through the ranks from entry-level positions.

From hourly associate to top executive

The Walmart Board of Directors selected John Furner in November 2025 to succeed McMillon as President and CEO of Walmart Inc. Furner, who has served as the CEO of Walmart U.S. since 2019, mirrors his predecessor's path, having started his career at the company in 1993 as an hourly employee.

The handover marks the end of an era for McMillon, whose journey from a summer job in a distribution center to the corner office has become a defining part of the company's modern history.

A farewell from warehouse number 2

In a farewell letter to employees, McMillon reflected on his three-and-a-half decades with the retailer. His career began in the summer of 1984 at "warehouse number 2," eventually leading him to the company's headquarters in 1990.

"I have known Walmart was a special place since I started working in warehouse number 2 in the summer of 1984," McMillon wrote. "I quickly learned that the people here care deeply about serving the company and others."

"We are just getting started"

McMillon expressed confidence in the company's future and its new leadership. He recalled a memory from the 1990s when former CEO David Glass remarked, "We are just getting started," a sentiment McMillon says he now fully understands despite the company's massive growth since then.

"You have a very talented leader in John, and he is surrounded by good people," McMillon stated in his closing message to the workforce. "They care a lot about you and our business. They have a strong depth of experience, good hearts, and sharp minds, which will help you chart a successful roadmap for the future."

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