Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Four months ago, John Furner took the helm as CEO of Walmart Inc. after a lifetime at the company.
Today, he’s steering a “people-led, tech-powered” transformation of the world’s largest retailer, which employs more than 2 million people worldwide. Furner has already centralized Walmart’s historically fragmented tech and product divisions under unified leadership in an attempt to supercharge enterprise-wide products and services—especially AI capabilities.
As thousands of Walmart employees descend on Arkansas for the company’s annual Associates Week, Furner sat down for his first in-depth conversation in his new role. He discussed everything from leading through a moment of massive change to turning forklift operators and developers alike into AI builders.
Fast Company is the world's leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, leadership, and design.
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Four months ago, John Furner took the helm as CEO of Walmart Inc. after a lifetime at the company.
Today, he’s steering a “people-led, tech-powered” transformation of the world’s largest retailer, which employs more than 2 million people worldwide. Furner has already centralized Walmart’s historically fragmented tech and product divisions under unified leadership in an attempt to supercharge enterprise-wide products and services—especially AI capabilities.
As thousands of Walmart employees descend on Arkansas for the company’s annual Associates Week, Furner sat down for his first in-depth conversation in his new role. He discussed everything from leading through a moment of massive change to turning forklift operators and developers alike into AI builders.
Fast Company is the world's leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, leadership, and design.
Follow us on:
facebook.com/FastCompany
twitter.com/FastCompany
instagram.com/fastcompany
linkedin.com/company/fast-company
