Walmart’s Incoming CEO Faces High Bar as Value Nears $1 Trillion

New CEOs often arrive with a mandate to turn a company around. Walmart Inc.’s John Furner is taking the helm with another daunting challenge: coming in at a high point.

The world’s largest retailer is seeing strong growth from newer, wealthier customers and is benefitting from success in e-commerce. Its shares are up 20% in the past year, with a market value approaching $1 trillion. Outgoing Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon is widely revered and viewed as the company’s most influential leader since founder Sam Walton.

John Furner

Source: Emily McArthuf

For Furner, a 51-year-old Walmart lifer who will become the company’s sixth CEO next ...