The current CEO of Walmart International, Doug McMillon, will be replacing the Walmart CEO, Mike Duke, after he retires next year. Currently, McMillon oversees 6,300 Walmart’s located outside of the United States and more than 800,000 employees in 26 countries.
McMillon will step in for Duke effective on February 1, and has been voted into the Walmart board of directors effective immediately.
Rob Walton, the chairman of Walmart’s board of directors explained their leadership change in a statement of the company website.
This leadership change comes at a time of strength and growth at Walmart. The company has the right strategy to serve the changing customer around the world, and Doug has been actively involved in this process. The company has a strong management team to execute that strategy. Doug is uniquely positioned to lead our growing global company and to serve the changing customer, while remaining true to our culture and values. He has broad experience – with successful senior leadership roles in all of Walmart’s business segments – and a deep understanding of the economic, social and technological trends shaping our world. A merchant at heart, Doug has both a long history with our company and a keen sense of where our customers globally are heading next. He has also shown strong leadership on environmental sustainability and a commitment to using Walmart’s size and scale to make a difference in the lives of people, wherever they might be.
McMillon says that he is very honored and excited to take this new step within the Walmart compay. “The opportunity to lead Walmart is a great privilege,” McMillon said. “Our company has a rich history of delivering value to customers across the globe and, as their needs grow and change, we will be there to serve them. Our management team is talented and experienced, and our strategy gives me confidence that our future is bright. By keeping our promise to customers, we will drive shareholder value, create opportunity for our associates and grow our business.”
Duke also commented on his retirement saying that it has been a privilege to work for Walmart. “This is a great company and it has been an honor to help advance Sam Walton’s vision of giving people around the world a better life,” said Duke. “Our associates make it all possible and I’ve learned so much from them. No matter where I traveled, our associates continued to inspire me with their commitment to living our values, serving our customers and taking care of each other.” Duke will continue serving as chairman of the executive committee of the board.
Image via Walmart.com