Kath McLay, who was on the insider’s short list to replace John Furner as CEO of Walmart U.S., has opted to leave the company. McLay, 51, was CEO of Walmart International, taking over for the retiring Judith McKenna in late 2023.
She was CEO of Sam’s Club from November 2019 through September 2023, where she led that business to 12 consecutive quarters of double-digit sales growth.
McLay’s departure was made public late Thursday (Jan. 15) in a press release from Walmart. She will remain in her role until Jan. 31, and will remain with the company through the first quarter to ensure a smooth transition, the company said.
“I’m grateful for the positive impact Kath has had on our people and our company throughout her decade of service,” Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart Inc., said in an official statement. “Since stepping in to lead Walmart International in 2023, Kath has led a growth agenda, producing strong top- and bottom-line results, advancing our digital and technology transformation, and strengthening our leadership team. She has done a fantastic job, and we will miss her positive impact on our business.”
During her Sam’s Club tenure, she improved merchandise quality, expanded our omnichannel capabilities, and led the business through the pandemic, the company noted. McLay first joined the company, working in Walmart U.S. strategy and supply chain, and then led the Neighborhood Market business.
“It’s been a privilege to work at Walmart over the past decade,” said McLay. “The roles I’ve held at the company have been extraordinary, filled with opportunities to have an impact on communities, touch lives, serve customers and members, and lead with a sense of purpose. Walmart provided me the ability to make a real difference in the world, and I am truly grateful. I’ve said it before, and I believe it more than ever: The world is a better place because Walmart is in it.”
A native of Australia, McLay has worked in the U.S. since April 2015. Before that, she logged two decades at Woolworths Limited in Sydney, Australia.
McLay’s announcement came on the same day Walmart honored McMillon at the company headquarters ahead of his Jan. 31 retirement. McMillon’s replacement has already been named in Furner, who is now the CEO of Walmart U.S.
Walmart will now have to backfill the positions vacated by Furner and McLay. The company noted in the release that the replacements will soon be named.
McMillon noted in a social media post on Thursday that it has been his pleasure to work with McLay over the past decade.
“Sharing her departure is not easy,” he said. “She has done a fantastic job leading across three business segments and representing our company around the world. Kath is an impressive leader, and I’ve enjoyed working with her and watching her grow over the years. Thanks for all your meaningful contributions, Kath. We wish you well.”
McLay was recognized as one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in 2024. She and her husband Jason reside in Bentonville with their three teenage children.
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