Walmart makes leadership changes ahead of CEO transition

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart Inc. announced a series of senior leadership changes as its Board of Directors appointed new members to the company’s Executive Council, and incoming President and CEO John Furner revealed further organizational updates aimed at positioning the retailer for its next phase of growth.

Effective February 1, 2026, the moves demonstrate Walmart’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team, accelerating innovation, and reorganizing the company to better adapt to rapid retail changes, including the growing importance of artificial intelligence.

“Over my 32 years with Walmart, I’ve seen that our people are our greatest competitive advantage,” Furner said. “These internal promotions reflect our culture of opportunity and the depth of our leadership bench. As AI rapidly reshapes retail, we are centralizing our platforms to accelerate shared capabilities, while freeing up our operating segments to be even closer to our customers and members.”

Key leadership appointments include:

• Seth Dallaire has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Walmart Inc., expanding his responsibilities from Walmart U.S. to the enterprise level. In his new role, Dallaire will oversee global platforms including Walmart Connect and digital advertising, Walmart+, Walmart Data Ventures, Vizio, Sam’s Club MAP and a global marketplace platform.
• David Guggina, currently EVP and Chief eCommerce Officer for Walmart U.S., will become President and CEO of Walmart U.S. Guggina has played a central role in building Walmart’s same-day and rapid delivery capabilities, which now reach 95% of U.S. households within three hours.
• Chris Nicholas, President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., will succeed Kath McLay as President and CEO of Walmart International. Nicholas brings extensive global experience, having lived and worked in more than 10 countries, and previously served as CFO for both Walmart U.S. and Walmart International.
• Latriece Watkins, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer for Walmart U.S., has been named President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. Watkins began her Walmart career as an intern in 1997 and has held leadership roles across merchandising, people, store operations and Sam’s Club.

Walmart stated that the leadership changes highlight its long-term plan to centralize company-wide capabilities while enabling its operating segments to stay sharply focused on customers, members, and local execution.