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Kathryn McLay to Step Down as Walmart International CEO in 2026

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Kathryn McLay will leave her role as Walmart International CEO on January 31, 2026
  • She will assist with the leadership transition through the first quarter of 2026
  • McLay has led Walmart International since fall 2023

Kathryn McLay is set to depart from her position as President and CEO of Walmart International, with her exit scheduled for January 31, 2026. Walmart has stated that McLay will remain with the company into the first quarter of 2026 to help with the transition process.

Walmart International has not yet named a successor, but the company announced that the new leader will be identified soon. McLay’s departure marks the end of her tenure leading Walmart’s international division, which began in the latter part of 2023.

Before taking the helm at Walmart International, McLay served as the head of Sam’s Club U.S. During her time in that role, she oversaw 12 consecutive quarters of double-digit sales growth, according to Walmart.

McLay joined Walmart in 2015 and has held several leadership positions across the company. Her previous roles included responsibilities in U.S. strategy, supply chain management, and operations for the Neighborhood Market business before her appointments at Sam’s Club and Walmart International.

What the numbers show

  • McLay’s departure is effective January 31, 2026
  • She began leading Walmart International in fall 2023
  • Sam’s Club U.S. achieved 12 consecutive quarters of double-digit sales growth under McLay’s leadership

Walmart confirmed that McLay will continue to support the company during the leadership transition period. The company has not provided additional details about the selection process or timeline for announcing her replacement.

McLay’s experience at Walmart includes senior roles in strategy, supply chain, and operations, in addition to her executive leadership at Sam’s Club and Walmart International. This background has given her a broad perspective on the company’s business segments.

Walmart stated that more information about the incoming leader for Walmart International will be shared once the decision has been finalized. The announcement comes as the company prepares for a change in its international leadership structure.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

Sources and further reading

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