Episode Details

Story of the Week (DR):

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to retire in January and US operations chief John Furner will take over MM

On February 1, 2026, Mr. McMillon will continue in his capacity as an executive officer of the Company, he will report to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and he will continue to be employed as an associate of the Company through January 31, 2027. Mr. McMillon will also continue his service as a director on the Board until the June 2026 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

John Furner, 51, a longtime insider and head of Walmart's U.S. operations, will take over. Furner, who started with the company in 1993, has more than 30 years in a variety of leadership roles across all three of Walmart's operating segments, including six years as the head of Walmart's U.S. business.

Walmart Announces John Furner as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

Greg Penner still chair: Greg is only the third person, after his father-in-law, Rob Walton, and company founder, Sam Walton, to serve in this position.

Doug’s quotes on stakeholder capitalism:

"We simply won’t be here if we don’t take care of the very things that allow us to exist: our associates, customers, suppliers, and the planet. That’s not up for debate."

"I think the growing interest in stakeholder capitalism stems from companies genuinely invested in doing good for our world, because it’s the right thing to do and because businesses who take this approach are stronger."

"Big problems don’t rest on the shoulders of government or corporations alone... We need to reinvent capitalism."

"Retailers will only survive if their business creates shared value that benefits shareholders and society... Basically, we’ll design retail and other businesses so that all stakeholders (as many as possible) benefit: customers, associates/employees, shareholders, the communities we serve, and those in the supply chain."

Under McMillon's leadership, Walmart has grown both top-line sales and profits. Its stock price is up 400% over the last decade. McMillon also led significant investments in both technology and labor, which are paying off for the company.

Let women (or a black woman) do the work: Compensation Committee, led by chair Carla Harris and Marissa Mayer, are in control of succession planning

Japan’s Takaichi Says Firms Focusing Too Much