Walmart names leadership team ahead of Furner’s CEO transition

Walmart announced a broad executive reorganization tied to John Furner’s upcoming start as president and CEO of Walmart Inc., effective Feb. 1, 2026. The company said the moves are intended to "fuel innovation and drive the new era of retail," shifting senior leaders into roles that oversee U.S. operations, international markets and Sam’s Club.

As part of the change, David Guggina was named president and CEO of Walmart U.S., succeeding Furner. Christopher Nicholas was promoted to president and CEO of Walmart International, following the announced departure of Kathryn McLay. Latriece Watkins was elevated to lead Sam’s Club U.S., and Seth Dallaire was given expanded responsibilities as executive vice president and chief growth officer for Walmart Inc. All changes take effect Feb. 1.

The reorganization centralizes several growth-focused functions under leaders with responsibility for core business lines. For employees on the sales floor and in stores, the first practical effects are likely to be felt in priorities and messaging from district and regional managers as the new leadership team settles in. Guggina’s elevation to lead Walmart U.S. arguably places him at the center of decisions on front-line operations, store staffing, scheduling and pay-related policies. Watkins’s promotion brings fresh executive attention to Sam’s Club, which could shape membership benefits, club staffing models and club-level merchandising choices.

International associates will look to Nicholas for strategic direction that balances market-specific approaches with broader corporate initiatives. Changes at the top of Walmart International can influence everything from supply chain priorities to local hiring practices and investment in digital infrastructure abroad. Dallaire’s role as chief growth officer signals a company-wide focus on scaling revenue channels and new initiatives that affect both physical and online teams.

Company filings accompanying the reorganization disclosure included details on Furner’s compensation arrangements, noting a base salary, a one-time stock award and eligibility for future equity awards. The filings underscore how executive pay is being structured around leadership continuity and incentives tied to long-term performance.

For Walmart associates, the reshuffle underscores that strategic priorities may shift as new leaders implement their agendas. Employees should expect internal communications, town halls and new guidance from store and club leadership in the coming weeks as managers translate executive direction into operational changes. Labor representatives and store leaders will be watching for any adjustments to staffing, technology rollouts and investment plans that affect day-to-day work.

The leadership changes are the opening act of Furner’s tenure at the top and set the tone for what the company calls a new era of retail. The practical test for employees will be how quickly the new team turns strategic intent into clear changes at the store level and whether those changes improve the work environment and customer experience.