Walmart U.S. names Furner CEO
Walmart U.S. has a new CEO. The company on Thursday announced that John Furner will become president and CEO of Walmart U.S. on Nov. 1. He succeeds Greg Foran, who will depart Walmart to become CEO at Air New Zealand. Foran will remain with Walmart through January 31, 2020 to help with the transition, the company said.
Furner takes the reins of Walmart U.S. from his position as president and CEO of Sam’s Club. The retailer said his successor would be named at a later date.
“John has done a fantastic job at Sam’s Club, and he will continue the momentum we have in Walmart U.S.,” said Walmart CEO and president Doug McMillon. “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 joined Walmart in 1993 as an hourly associate, working in the garden center of a supercenter. Over the years, he progressed to store manager, district manager and buyer roles. Those were followed by leadership roles in operations, merchandising and sourcing for Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club and Walmart International, where he was chief merchandising and marketing officer for Walmart China. Before leading Sam’s Club in 2017, Furner was chief merchandising officer for Walmart’s club retail banner. In his new role, the company said he will work closely with Marc Lore, Walmart U.S. e-commerce CEO, to help create the company’s omnichannel experience.
“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.”
Foran has led Walmart U.S. for five years, during which time, the company has built out its e-commerce and omnichannel efforts, including the acquisition of Jet.com. He joined Walmart in 2011.
“It has been an honor to lead the team at Walmart U.S.,” Foran said. “I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve at a unique moment for retail and want to thank the associates who made it happen. It is bittersweet to leave Walmart, but this incredible opportunity to lead an iconic Kiwi brand was one I could not pass up, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”