Walmart has made a significant leadership change, announcing a new international CEO.
- Judith McKenna, after over twenty years, steps down from her role as Walmart’s international president and CEO.
- Kath McLay, who has been with Walmart since 2015, is set to lead the company’s international operations across 19 countries.
- McLay’s previous success includes achieving consistent double-digit sales growth as president and CEO of Sam’s Club US.
- McKenna’s transition plan includes staying with Walmart until January to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.
Walmart has recently announced a change in its leadership with the appointment of Kath McLay as the new CEO of its international division. This comes after Judith McKenna declared her retirement from the role after a commendable tenure that spanned over two decades. McKenna’s departure from the position of president and chief executive of Walmart International is set for September 11. She will, however, remain with the company until January to assist in the transition process, ensuring that the handover is smooth and efficient.
McLay, who joined Walmart in 2015, is stepping into her new role with a strong track record of achievement. As the president and CEO of Sam’s Club US, she demonstrated remarkable leadership by delivering 12 consecutive quarters of double-digit sales growth. Her focus has been on improving merchandise quality and expanding Walmart’s omnichannel capabilities, adding significant value to the company.
The transition comes as McKenna looks back on an illustrious career at Walmart, which began in the United Kingdom as the chief financial officer. She then became the chief operating officer of Asda, playing a crucial role in its transformation into an omnichannel business. McKenna’s journey with Walmart has been marked by her pivotal contributions in enhancing its international stature, and her departure marks the end of a significant era.
Walmart’s president and CEO, Doug McMillon, has expressed his appreciation for McKenna’s extensive contributions to the company. He highlighted her progression from a financial leader in the UK to a key figure in Walmart’s international operations, acknowledging her impact on the company’s evolution towards an omnichannel business model.
This leadership transition signals a new chapter for Walmart’s international business, with Kath McLay set to continue the company’s global growth.
