New York, Jan 18, 2026, 06:04 EST — Market closed
- Walmart shares ended the day up 0.4%, closing at $119.70.
- The retailer has announced a fresh leadership team ahead of John Furner taking over as CEO on Feb. 1.
- Investors are focused on the February 19 results to gauge strategy and guidance.
Walmart Inc’s shares are set to draw attention when U.S. markets open, following a leadership shakeup ahead of John Furner’s Feb. 1 takeover as CEO, succeeding Doug McMillon. The stock closed Friday up 0.4% at $119.70, after reaching a record earlier this week. 1
The timing is crucial. A CEO change alone is one scenario; a sweeping overhaul just before that is quite different. Walmart investors value stability and want early hints about what will be centralized, what will be trimmed, and what won’t change.
The company is pushing further into higher-margin areas like ads, memberships, and data tools, all while aiming to uphold its core commitment to low prices. This strategy can pay off handsomely but is tricky to pull off correctly.
Walmart named Seth Dallaire as chief growth officer, responsible for platforms like Walmart Connect (digital advertising) and Walmart+. David Guggina steps in as CEO of Walmart U.S., Chris Nicholas will lead Walmart International, and Latriece Watkins takes charge of Sam’s Club. Furner emphasized the shake-up is structural, saying, “Even the best teams need the right structure to win.” 2
A filing revealed Furner will earn a $1.5 million base salary starting Feb. 1, with a target cash incentive set at 240% of that base. The company also announced an annual equity award worth roughly $17 million for fiscal 2027, alongside a one-time grant of performance-based restricted stock units valued at about $10 million, which vest if certain targets are hit. 3
The reshuffle comes after Kathryn McLay announced she will step down as head of Walmart International at the end of January, remaining on through the first quarter to aid the transition, Walmart confirmed. McMillon praised McLay for spearheading “a growth agenda,” while McLay reflected that Walmart “provided me the ability to make a real difference in the world.” 4
McLay’s departure wasn’t due to any reported disputes with the company, Reuters noted. It remains unclear if her exit points to a change in Walmart International’s strategy. The unit runs operations in 18 countries, including China and India, and clocked $33.5 billion in net sales last quarter—up 10.8% from the previous year, Reuters added. 5
The new org chart sharpens the rivalry. Sam’s Club goes head-to-head with Costco in high-volume U.S. retail. Meanwhile, Walmart’s ramped-up focus on advertising and its marketplace nudges it nearer to Amazon’s ground. Investors see potential there — but they’re quick to penalize slip-ups.
But reshuffles bring risks. Disruptions in stores or supply chains during the handover could spook investors. And if shoppers cut back more than anticipated, Walmart’s stock may shed its “safe haven” status fast.
U.S. markets remain closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, giving investors time to mull over recent leadership changes ahead of Tuesday’s open. 6
Walmart’s next major event is set for Feb. 19, when it will report fiscal fourth-quarter results and host a conference call at 7 a.m. Central time, according to the company’s events calendar. This will mark the first big opportunity for the new management team to outline their vision for the year ahead. 7
