Jan 16, 2026 - Business

Walmart goes all-in on AI with new executive team

Ben Berkowitz

Walmart CEO John Furner, in gray suit and open-collared white shirt, points with his left index finger while speaking on-stage at an event. — Incoming Walmart CEO John Furner. Photo: Rick T. Wilking/Getty Images

Walmart shuffled its executive ranks Friday ahead of incoming CEO John Furner's start next month, promoting leaders with a focus on AI and the growing business of agentic commerce.

Why it matters: The world's largest retailer is all-in on artificial intelligence and the new era of shopping, and the executive changes are a sign that Furner intends to continue growing there aggressively.

Driving the news: Walmart U.S. executive VP Seth Dallaire will become chief growth officer for the entire company, with a broad portfolio that includes the company's digital ad, subscription and data businesses. Those platforms are considered vital to retailers looking past websites and apps to a new era of AI-powered shopping.

David Guggina, a supply chain expert, will become president and CEO of Walmart U.S., replacing Furner.
Chris Nicholas, who had been running the U.S. operations of the Sam's Club business, will become CEO of Walmart International.
Latriece Watkins, who started as an intern at Walmart in 1997 and most recently ran U.S. merchandising, will become CEO of Sam's Club U.S.

What they're saying: "As AI rapidly reshapes retail, we are centralizing our platforms to accelerate shared capabilities, freeing up our operating segments to be more focused on and closer to our customers and members," Furner said in a statement.

What to watch: Walmart is due to report holiday results in mid-February, which may offer a peek into how AI is already transforming shopping habits.

Adobe reports AI-driven retail traffic was up almost 700% during the 2025 holiday season versus 2024.

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Walmart goes all-in on AI with new executive team

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