Doug McMillon is the President and CEO of Walmart Inc., the world’s largest retailer by revenue, a position he has held since 2014[2][3]. Born October 17, 1966, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, McMillon began his career with Walmart in 1984 as an hourly warehouse worker, unloading trucks and picking orders for $6.50 an hour[1][4]. He continued working for Walmart while pursuing his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas and an MBA from the University of Tulsa[2][4]. McMillon’s ascent within Walmart reflects a rare trajectory from entry-level roles to the top executive office. After his initial warehouse stint, he joined the corporate side in 1991 as a fishing-tackle buyer, later serving in a series of increasingly senior roles across Walmart’s business segments[1][2]. He led Sam’s Club as president and CEO from 2005 to 2009, then took over Walmart International from 2009 to 2014, before being named to the top post at Walmart Inc.[2]. His leadership is notable for its continuity—he has spent nearly his entire career at the company, giving him a deep understanding of Walmart’s operations, culture, and workforce[2][4]. Under McMillon’s leadership, Walmart has undergone significant transformation, particularly in response to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer expectations. He has prioritized investments in technology, employee wages, and benefits, raising the minimum wage for U.S. workers and expanding parental leave and educational opportunities for associates[3][4]. McMillon has also championed sustainability initiatives, notably launching Project Gigaton, which aims to reduce or avoid a billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in Walmart’s supply chain by 2030—a goal the company met years ahead of schedule[2][4]. McMillon is recognized for his focus on Walmart’s workforce, frequently visiting stores and emphasizing the importance of listening to frontline employees[5]. He has also taken public stances on societal issues relevant to the company, such as halting the sale of assault weapons in Walmart stores following mass shootings and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights[5]. Beyond Walmart, McMillon chairs the Business Roundtable and serves on several boards, including the Consumer Goods Forum and the U.S.-China Business Council[2][4]. His current relevance lies in his stewardship of Walmart during a period of intense retail competition and rapid digital transformation, as well as his advocacy for responsible corporate citizenship and workforce development[3][4]. As of 2025, he remains a central figure in global retail, guiding one of the world’s most influential companies through ongoing industry shifts.
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Walmart partners with OpenAI to let customers shop via ChatGPT, featuring instant checkout and AI-powered, proactive shopping.