Meet John Furner, who joined Walmart as a part-time garden-centre associate; now he leads the retail giant with 2.1 million employees; know his education and career journey

John Furner is the president and chief executive officer of Walmart Inc. He succeeded Doug McMillion, who retired on January 31. Furner is now responsible for a global workforce of around 2.1 million employees, whom Walmart calls associates.

Walmart operates more than 10,800 stores worldwide across 19 countries, according to a Fortune report.

His first job at Walmart in 1993

John Furner started as a part-time hourly associate at a Walmart Supercenter in Bentonville, Arkansas, the company's hometown. His first role was in the garden centre, far removed from the corporate leadership position he holds today.


He joined the company more than three decades before becoming its global CEO. His early experience gave him exposure to the frontline operations of a large retailer.

Education and rise through the ranks

Furner graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1996 with a degree in business administration, specialising in marketing management. His career progressed through several operational and corporate positions. He worked as an assistant store manager, store manager and district manager before moving into buying and merchandising.

He then held roles including regional general manager, divisional merchandising manager, vice-president of global sourcing and general merchandising manager. His career was not limited to store operations; he gained experience in purchasing, product selection, sourcing and international business.

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His international experience

Furner spent time in Shenzhen, China, where he led marketing and merchandising for Walmart China. He became president and CEO of Sam's Club in the US in 2017, after serving as its chief merchandising officer.

During his leadership, Sam's Club recorded 11 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales.

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What is his role?

At Walmart US, his responsibilities covered stores, digital commerce, advertising, health and wellness and the supply chain. This role was an important step between running Sam's Club and taking charge of Walmart's worldwide operations.

Furner succeeds Doug McMillion, who led Walmart for more than a decade. He took charge of the retailer's worldwide business, rather than just its US division. Walmart says its strategy under him involves innovation and AI alongside its established retail operations.