Walmart $WMT is replacing the chief operating officer of its U.S. business, the latest in a series of senior leadership changes since the retailer installed a new companywide chief executive earlier this year.
Kyle Kinnard, who has spent more than 25 years with the company, will succeed Kieran Shanahan, who is departing this week
Kevin Carter/Getty Images
Walmart $WMT is replacing the chief operating officer of its U.S. business, the latest in a series of senior leadership changes since the retailer installed a new companywide chief executive earlier this year.
Kieran Shanahan, 45, will leave his role as COO of Walmart U.S. this week and be succeeded by Kyle Kinnard, 47, currently COO of Walmart International, according to The Wall Street Journal, which viewed an internal memo. According to the company, Kinnard's tenure at Walmart spans over a quarter century, during which he has served in several senior capacities, among them executive vice president of health and wellness for Walmart U.S. Shanahan, who began his career with Walmart's then-U.K. subsidiary Asda nearly three decades ago, will remain at the company as an adviser through the end of its fiscal year on Jan. 31, 2027.
Walmart announced Friday that Juan Galarraga has been elevated to lead its Latin American international operations, absorbing a portion of the global portfolio Kinnard is leaving behind.
The changes are part of a broader reshaping of Walmart's leadership since John Furner became the company's companywide CEO earlier this year. Under Furner, Walmart named new CEOs for each of its three major business units — the U.S., International, and Sam's Club — and named David Guggina and Chris Nicholas to lead its domestic and international operations, respectively, according to Reuters.
Shanahan's exit is the latest in a run of senior departures. Tom Ward, who ran Sam's Club as its COO, and Cedric Clark, who oversaw store operations for Walmart U.S., both stepped away from the company in May. Clark's position has not been filled. Per the Journal, Kinnard's path into Walmart started at Sam's Club, and he earned a marketing degree from the University of Arkansas — the same alma mater as Furner.
Under Furner's direction, Reuters reported, Walmart has pursued growth in its marketplace and delivery businesses as part of a broader effort to appeal to more affluent consumers. The company eliminated 1,000 roles in May and earlier this month said it would reduce prices on a range of summer items including meat, chips, and soda.
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