Supermarket giant picks one-time warehouse worker as new chief executive

Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer, has appointed a one-time warehouse worker as its new chief executive.

11:39 26 November 2013

Doug McMillon has been appointed as the new chief executive of Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer after rising through the ranks starting as a worker in the warehouse.

The 47-year-old American worked for Walmart as a teenager and rejoined the company in 1990. This appointment comes after Tesco appointed Sir Terry Leahy and Philip Clarke who both worked on the shopfloor at Tesco supermarket before they are appointed chief executive.

Rob Walton, chairman of Walmart, said: “This leadership change comes at a time of strength and growth at Walmart. The company has the right strategy to serve the changing customer around the world, and Doug has been actively involved in this process.”

Mr McMillo, who will take the chief executive position next February, is presently the chief executive of Walmart International whose biggest business is the UK supermarket chain Asda. Because of this promotion, Walmart will not look for a new chief executive for its business outside the UK.