Walmart Inc. of Bentonville on Wednesday said that Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, is retiring after 27 years with the company.
Sam’s Club President and CEO Kath McLay has been named as McKenna’s successor. McLay will be replace by Chris Nicholas, executive vice president and chief operating office of Walmart U.S.
The leadership changes take effect Sept. 11. McKenna will remain with the company until Jan. 31 to help ensure a smooth transition and to continue serving on the boards of Walmex, Flipkart and PhonePe.
McKenna has led Walmart International since 2018, during which time she has overseen a multi-year transformation that resulted in the segment delivering more growth and stronger financial results across the board, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a letter to employees.
McMillon also credited McKenna with strengthening Walmart U.S., where she help positions including chief development officer and chief operations officer, shaping its e-commerce offering and digital transformation.
“More importantly,” McMillon said, “Judith’s leadership has positively impacted countless lives by creating opportunity and showing us how to lead with purpose. Her deep care for our associates around the globe and her passion for developing people has made a difference.”
McLay, the next CEO of Walmart International, joined the company in 2015. After roles in strategy and supply chain, she led the Neighborhood Market business before becoming the president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., where she delivered 12 straight quarters of double-digit sales growth.
Chris Nicholas, the next president and CEO of Sam’s Club, most recently led store and supply chain operations for Walmart U.S. and helped develop a strategy to create a more automated end-to-end supply chain. He was previously the CFO of Walmart U.S. and Walmart International businesses.
Kieran Shanahan will succeed Nicholas as EVP and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S. He most recently served as executive vice president of international operations and regional CEO for Walmart International.
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