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John Furner to Lead Walmart’s US Stores; Greg Foran Joins Air New Zealand

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Walmart Inc. of Bentonville said Thursday that Sam’s Club CEO John Furner will become the president and CEO of Walmart U.S. as Greg Foran takes a job as CEO at Air New Zealand Limited.

The publicly traded retailer said Furner, 45, will take on the new role on Nov. 1. Foran will stay on with Walmart through Jan. 31 to “ensure a smooth transition,” the retailer said.

“John has done a fantastic job at Sam’s Club, and he will continue the momentum we have in Walmart U.S.,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a news 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. 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.”

Foran has been CEO of Walmart U.S. since August 2014, and he first joined Walmart in October 2011. A New Zealander, he previously held positions at Woolworths in Australia and New Zealand. At Air New Zealand, he’ll replace Christopher Luxon, who this week announced a run for political office. 

A successor for Furner at Sam’s Club hasn’t been named.

“It has been an honor to lead the team at Walmart U.S.,” Foran said. “I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve at a unique moment for retail and want to thank the associates who made it happen. It is bittersweet to leave Walmart, but this incredible opportunity to lead an iconic Kiwi brand was one I could not pass up, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”

Foran ranked No. 1 in compensation among Arkansas public company executives in 2015, taking home a $19.5 million package. In 2018, he earned $13.5 million, ranking No. 2 on the list, just behind McMillon. 

Furner ranked No. 8 with $9.3 million.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and ready to get started,” Furner said. “There’s no better place than Walmart U.S. to touch the lives of millions of customers and associates. Together with the team, we will build on the progress under Greg’s leadership and continue to make Walmart an even better place to work and shop. I also want to thank the Sam’s Club team. My years with you have been amazing.”

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