• by Sarah Mahoney , Yesterday

John Furner, Walmart’s incoming president and CEO, is making major organizational changes even before his Feb. 1 start date. On the way out is Kathryn McLay, president and CEO of Walmart International, and once considered a contender for the role that ultimately went to Furner. A 10-year veteran, she had been in her current post since 2023.

And moving up are Chris Nicholas, currently president and CEO of Sam’s Club, who replaces McLay. David Guggina, now executive vice president and chief ecommerce officer, steps into Furner’s former role. And Latriece Watkins, currently executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, rises to president and CEO of Sam’s Club.

And in a nod to the growing importance of Walmart’s retail ad network, Seth Dallaire rises to executive vice president and chief growth officer. In addition to working closely with all three new operational appointees, he will oversee global enterprise platforms, including Walmart Connect, the fast-growing ad platform; Walmart+, its membership program; Walmart Data Ventures; consumer electronics brand Vizio, which Walmart bought in 2024; and a global Marketplace platform.

In the announcement, Walmart says the new appointments beef up its “People Led, Tech-Powered” approach, focusing on talent, digital commerce and data-driven decision-making.

Furner, a 32-year Walmart veteran, says the changes represent a big step toward tech transformation. “As AI rapidly reshapes retail, we are centralizing our platforms to accelerate shared capabilities, freeing up our operating segments to be more focused on and closer to our customers and members,” he says in the announcement.

Separately, Walmart announced that its Walmart Marketplace is introducing a Premium Musical Instrument Shop, which will feature such brands as Fender, Roland, Zildjian, Ernie Ball, Hercules, Squier, and Barton Bags.

The new digital storefront marks the first phase of Walmart Marketplace’s expansion into professional-grade musical instruments and accessories, reflecting Walmart’s Amazonian ambitions, focusing on broadening its selection in high-quality, specialized categories while maintaining the convenience and reliability customers expect.