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Walmart announced on Thursday that Kathryn McLay will step down as chief executive officer of Walmart International on January 31, marking a significant leadership change at the world’s largest retailer. While she will relinquish her role as CEO, McLay will remain with the company through the first quarter to help ensure a smooth transition. Walmart said it plans to name her successor shortly, but no replacement has yet been announced.
McLay has led Walmart International for approximately two and a half years, overseeing a global business that operates in 18 countries, including key growth markets such as China and India. Walmart International is a major contributor to the company’s overall performance, generating more than $100 billion in annual revenue. In its most recent quarter, the international division reported net sales of $33.5 billion, representing a 10.8% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
Her departure comes just two months after Walmart revealed that longtime CEO Doug McMillon would step down after 12 years in the role, with U.S. division chief John Furner set to succeed him. The closely timed leadership changes have raised questions about Walmart’s broader strategic direction, particularly regarding its international operations, although the company has not indicated that McLay’s exit signals a shift in strategy.
Kathryn McLay, an Australian executive who joined Walmart in 2015, has held several senior leadership positions within the company. She was promoted to CEO of Walmart International in August 2023 after successfully leading Sam’s Club as CEO during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, Sam’s Club achieved 12 consecutive quarters of double-digit sales growth, strengthening its position in the highly competitive warehouse club market.
According to a person familiar with the matter, McLay’s decision to step down was not the result of any disagreements with Walmart. In a company statement, McLay expressed gratitude for her time at the retailer, saying Walmart gave her “the ability to make a real difference in the world.” As Walmart prepares to announce her successor, investors and industry observers will be watching closely to see how the company navigates this leadership transition and continues to drive growth in its international markets.
