Walmart International boss to step down

Walmart has announced its International president and CEO Judith McKenna is to step down from her role in order to retire after 27 years with the company.

Walmart confirmed that Kath McLay will become the president and CEO of Walmart International and Chris Nicholas will become the president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. These leadership changes will be effective 11 September, 2023.

McKenna started her career at Asda in a number of finance roles before becoming CFO of Asda in 2002.

She went on to become COO of Asda before moving to Walmart’s home office in Bentonville where she led strategy, real estate, M&A and other areas for its international segment. From there she led its Neighborhood Market business and its early work to transform into an omnichannel business as chief development officer of Walmart U.S before being promoted to COO.

As COO, Walmart said she played an “integral role” in strengthening its Walmart U.S. business, before being appointed to lead its international business six years ago.

Commenting on the changes Doug McMillon, president and CEO, said: “Judith, we are extremely grateful for everything you’ve done for our associates and for our business. I have appreciated your partnership and have loved watching you lead and make the world a better place through your work. We’re grateful to you, Phil, Alex and Charlie, and we hope the chapters in front of you are full of joy.”

McLay joined the company in 2015 with roles in strategy and supply chain, before also leading Walmart’s Neighborhood Market business before becoming the president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., where she delivered 12 straight quarters of double-digit sales growth.