John Furner, who has been the CEO for Sam’s Club since 2017, has been selected as the new president and CEO for Walmart U.S.
Greg Foran, who has been CEO of Walmart U.S. since 2014, is leaving Walmart to become the CEO for Air New Zealand Limited, according to a news release.
Foran will remain with Walmart through Jan. 31 to ensure a smooth transition. Furner officially begins his new role Nov. 1.
“John has done a fantastic job at Sam’s Club, and he will continue the momentum we have in Walmart U.S.,” Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon said in the release. “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,” McMillon said. “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.”
McMillon also endorsed the work Foran has done for the retailer during his tenure, saying the executive made a huge difference for Walmart.
“He built a strong plan from the beginning to strengthen the U.S. business — a plan that made significant choices around investing in wages and benefits for associates and investing in price for customers,” McMillon said in the release. “Greg’s ability to innovate, whether it’s making our stores a competitive advantage in an omnichannel environment or equipping associates with next generation technology and training, has helped position us for the future.
“The results have been impressive — every quarter he led Walmart U.S. it has had positive comps,” McMillon said. “Before leading us to a stronger position in the U.S., he did the same thing in China. We will miss Greg and thank him for his leadership. He has made a difference for our customers, associates and shareholders.”
Walmart will announce a new president and CEO for Sam’s Club at a later date, according to the release.