New leader was previously EVP of Neighborhood Markets

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has promoted Kathryn McLay to lead Sam’s Club as the division’s new president and chief executive officer.

Kathryn McLay

McLay succeeds John Furner, who was elevated last month to the role of president and CEO of Walmart’s U.S. division.

McLay’s promotion comes less than a year after she was named executive vice president of Neighborhood Markets for Walmart U.S. She has been with Walmart since April 2015 and has led a number of strategic initiatives within the supply chain including On Time In Full (OTIF), import distribution centers and return centers. McLay came to Walmart after 14 years with Woolworths, Australia’s largest supermarket chain, where she held roles in supply chain, strategy and finance.

McLay becomes the second woman to lead Sam’s Club after Rosalind Brewer, who left the company in early in 2017, paving the way for the ascension of Furner, who had previously been the warehouse club’s chief merchandising officer.