Executive leadership changes at Walmart

The upcoming departure of a Walmart veteran has set in motion several other leadership changes.

Judith McKenna is retiring as president and CEO of Walmart International. McKenna, who has served in the position since 2018, will be succeeded by Kath McLay, currently CEO of Walmart’s Sam's Club.  In her new role, McLay will lead a business that spans 19 countries, has approximately 555,000 associates and generated $100.98 billion in sales in 2022.  

Chris Nicholas, currently COO of Walmart U.S., will replace McLay as president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S.  Kieran Shanahan, a 25-year company veteran, will succeed Nicholas as executive VP and COO of Walmart U.S. He most recently served as executive VP, International Operations, and regional CEO for Walmart International.

The leadership changes are effective Sept. 11.

Walmart Inc. president and CEO Doug McMillon revealed the changes in a note to associates, saying that McKenna had decided to retire “following an incredible 27 years with the company.”  She will remain with Walmart until Jan. 31, 2024 to help ensure a smooth transition and to continue serving on its Walmex, Flipkart and PhonePe boards.

McLay, who has served as CEO of Sam’s Club since November 2019, has held a number of leadership roles at Walmart since joining in 2015 as VP of U.S. finance & strategy. In 2016, she moved to supply chain, after which she led Walmart's Neighborhood Market business before becoming the president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., where she and the team delivered 12 straight quarters of double-digit sales growth, noted McMillon. 

"She prioritized a member-centric culture, the improvement of our merchandise quality and an expansion of our omnichannel capabilities," he added.

McLay moved to the U.S. from Australia to join Walmart after spending the early part of her career with Australian retailer Woolworths and Qantas.

McKenna 

Prior to leading Walmart International, McKenna was executive VP and COO for Walmart U.S., from 2015 to 2018.  Before that, she served as executive VP of strategy and development for Walmart International.  Prior to moving to the U.S., McKenna spent 17 years at Asda in her native U.K., including serving as COO, from 2011 to 2013,  and as CFO, from 2002 to 2011.

McMillion credited  McMillon and the team with re-shaping Walmart International and leading  a multi-year transformation that resulted in the business delivering more growth and stronger financial results across the board. 

"Judith, we are extremely grateful for everything you’ve done for our associates and for our business," he said. "I have appreciated your partnership and have loved watching you lead and make the world a better place through your work."