Walmart International Chief Kathryn McLay to Step Down
Walmart announced that Kathryn McLay will resign as CEO of its Walmart International division on January 31 but will stay with the company during the first quarter to assist with a seamless transition.
She served as the CEO of the international company for over two years. McLay's exit occurs two months after the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer revealed that its CEO of 12 years, Doug McMillon, would be resigning and would be succeeded by US division leader John Furner.
Walmart did not announce who will replace McLay. The statement mentioned that her successor would be announced soon.
McLay, an Australian, came to Walmart in 2015. In August 2023, she was elevated to CEO of Walmart International, a business exceeding $100 billion, following her successful leadership of its warehouse club chain, Sam's Club, as CEO during the pandemic. Throughout her time, Sam's Club achieved 12 consecutive quarters of double-digit sales increases.
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McLay departed without any disputes with the company, according to someone knowledgeable about the situation. It wasn't immediately obvious if her exit could signal a shift in Walmart's global strategy.
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Walmart International operates in 18 nations, including China and India, which are rapidly expanding markets. In the latest quarter, Walmart International reported net sales of $33.5 billion, reflecting a 10.8 percent increase compared to the same quarter last year.
"Walmart gave me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the world, and I am genuinely thankful," McLay states.
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Walmart, founded by Sam Walton in 1962, is a U.S.-based multinational corporation and the largest retailer globally, recognized for its "Every Day Low Prices." It operates thousands of stores (including Sam's Club), e-commerce platforms, and serves millions worldwide, emphasizing value, omnichannel shopping, and community impact via its foundation while being a family-controlled, technology-driven business.