Walmart revealed a series of executive changes late Thursday, just two weeks before John Furner assumes the CEO role from Doug McMillon.
Kathryn McLay, CEO of Walmart International, will depart on January 31. The company stated she will remain through the first quarter to assist with transition.
McLay moved from Australia to Arkansas for Walmart in 2015, initially serving as vice president of US finance and strategy. She became CEO of Sam's Club in 2019 and took over international operations in 2023.
Some analysts had viewed McLay as a potential successor to McMillon, who retires on January 31 after leading the retailer for over a decade.
David Guggina, currently overseeing all US e-commerce operations, will take Furner's position as Walmart US CEO. The company noted that in the latest quarter, US sales growth was driven by e-commerce acceleration, with store-fulfilled delivery and advertising leading to over 20% e-commerce growth for seven consecutive quarters. Guggina previously worked at Amazon for nearly ten years.
Chris Nicholas, current Sam's Club CEO, was appointed CEO of Walmart International. Nicholas joined Walmart in 2018 and has served as CFO for both Walmart International and Walmart US, as well as chief operating officer for US operations.
Latriece Watkins, Walmart US chief merchandising officer, will lead Sam's Club. Watkins started as an intern in 1997.
Other changes include Seth Dallaire taking on the new role of chief growth officer for the entire company, a position he currently holds for Walmart US. This role will oversee growth platforms such as Walmart Connect, Walmart+, Walmart Data Ventures, and Vizio.
The company is scheduled to report fourth quarter and full-year earnings on February 19.