Walmart insider John Furner to steer next chapter; McMillon exits

IN 2020, as COVID-19 raged, John Furner — then chief of Walmart’s largest US division — consulted colleagues in China, drawing on their pandemic playbook to swiftly adjust inventory forecasts and fulfillment operations to stay ahead of panic buying.

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Mr. Furner, a Walmart lifer who grew up in Arkansas where the retailer is headquartered, had lived in China for roughly two years. China, ground zero for the pandemic, had begun retooling supply chains and was months ahead of the US in making decisions. Mr. Furner drew on that experience to understand what customers would need, he told reporters at the time.

When he takes the top job at Walmart on Feb. 1, his collaborative leadership style and deep company knowledge will be tested as he steers the firm through tough economic times, with tariffs pressuring margins and shareholders clamoring to see returns on the retailer’s artificial intelligence (AI) investments.

“The business is operating in a tough macro and competitive climate, especially with tariffs, pricing pressures and shifting consumer behavior,” said Matt Prescott, president of nonprofit shareholder activist group The Accountability Board which is a Walmart investor. “We hope he can rise to the challenge.”

FURNER'S MANDATE IS CLEAR