Judith McKenna Retiring as Walmart International CEO; Replacement Named

Walmart has announced major leadership changes within the company, with Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, set to retire after 27 years with the retailer. Effective Sept. 11, Kath McLay will take over as the president and CEO of Walmart International, while Chris Nicholas will assume the role of president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon said in a Wednesday note to associates. During her tenure as the head of Walmart International, McKenna led substantial growth and improved financial performance, McMillon said. McKenna will will continue to support the company during the transition period and serve on the boards of Walmex, Flipkart, and PhonePe.

Total Retail's Take: Big news today out of Walmart. First, McKenna is recognized as an outstanding leader that has generated positive results in her tenure leading Walmart's international business. In fact, her influential role overseeing 550,000 employees in 23 countries landed her at No. 14 on Fortune‘s Most Powerful Women list. Her replacement has big shoes to fill. However, it would appear that Kath McLay is more than able to fill them. She has been at the helm of the $73 billion warehouse club division, Sam's Club, and is now tasked with continuing the positive momentum that McKenna has generated in Walmart's international business. Lastly, the transition from one woman CEO to another woman CEO is also to be noted, and is indicative of the wealth of female talent in the executive ranks at Walmart.