Focus Outlook

Walmart: Spearheading Innovation Through a Futuristic Approach

Carl Douglas Mcmillon

CEO, Walmart

It was in November 2013 that Walmart announced Carl Douglas McMillon would replace Mike Duke as its CEO in February 2014. As the fifth CEO of Walmart, McMillon had to encounter a challenging scenario. He had to lead the retailer through times of slowing growth and stiff competition from competitors such as Amazon or Costco, Safeway, and Kroger. Moreover, there were discount chain stores that offered tough competition.

A RARE ASSOCIATION

McMillon had a long stint at Walmart extending beyond three decades. He began as a teenager, wherein his work made him unload trucks for hourly wages. The rest is history, as he later served in senior leadership roles across different business segments at Walmart. It wouldn’t be wrong to state that McMillon has dedicated his life to the retailer. To be specific, his association with Walmart began in 1984. First, he worked as a summer associate. The next phase saw McMillon as a buyer with the retailer. After finishing his studies, McMillon associated himself with Walmart as an assistant manager at an Oklahoma store. It was in 1991 that he moved to the retailer’s Bentonville headquarters to be a part of the buyer training program. His other roles with Walmart include as a general merchandise manager at Sam’s Club, Walmart’s wholesale store division. The next phase saw him taking an executive position at Walmart, overseeing sporting goods, electronics and toys, besides other sections. Before becoming the CEO in 2014, he served as President and CEO of Walmart International (2009 to 2014). From 2005 to 2009, McMillon had a remarkable stint as president and CEO of Sam’s club. During this period, Walmart focused on improving existing markets, including the U.K., the Americas, China, and Canada. The company integrated its ‘everyday low prices’ approach to these global markets. McMillon’s tenure saw Walmart International’s sales going beyond Walmart U.S. Towards late 2013, Walmart International had about 6,300 stores spread across 26 countries.

McMillon’s tenure saw Walmart International’s sales going beyond Walmart U.S. Towards late 2013, Walmart International had about 6,300 stores spread across 26 countries.

A LEADER WITH A CLEAR OUTLOOK

McMillon sprung into action after his promotion as CEO. His strategies revolved around raising hourly wages for employees in the U.S., strengthening the company’s presence in e-commerce, and reorganizing the executive team. Naturally, these changes brought in more spending on labor and digital offerings. These changes made the short-term profits lesser. However, this wasn’t a deterrent for McMillon, who went ahead with his plans. He was particular about his strategy’s capability to create a happier workforce and improved customer service, which were key to long-lasting success and ensuring a better footing in a continually altering retail market. In 2015, McMillon invested substantially in higher associate benefits, training, and wages.

Besides, the lowest salary was raised in 2015 and subsequently in 2016. He was also aware of the need to invest more in e-commerce and online operation. McMillon was a leader with a comprehensive and long-term vision. He was aiming at overall growth and wanted Walmart to be an active player across various domains, including energy conservation, renewable energy, elimination of waste, and promoting sustainably packaged goods. In 2019, McMillon made it clear that Walmart would no longer be a part of ammunition sales for military-style weapons and handguns. The policy update came as a direct consequence of an incident of the mass shooting at Walmart, El Paso, Texas, in 2019. The move was a much-appreciated one.

As Walmart CEO, McMillon has effectively leveraged his leadership skills to go beyond retail, intending to affect other social issues positively. Fast forward to the present, under his leadership, the retailer has been able to build a solid trust-based relationship with a broad customer base. Investments in associate compensation, education, and benefits continue. The employee-oriented approach has been crucial in taking the company to its current level. In addition, Walmart continues to be responsible for environmental issues. An ambitious program called Project Gigaton focuses on key environmental factors, including climate change and ensuring reduced emissions. He is one of the ‘most woke CEOs in the country. He has also been called the most connected CEO’ by a Connected Leader’s Survey by the Brunswick Group

McMillon had a long stint at Walmart extending beyond three decades. He began as a teenager, wherein his work made him unload trucks for hourly wages. The rest is history, as he later served in senior leadership roles across different business segments at Walmart.

Besides Walmart, Doug is also part of the board of directors of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the U.S-China Business Council, and Business Roundtable, the Consumer Goods Forum. Additionally, he serves on the advisory board of Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management, Beijing, China.

PERSONAL LIFE

McMillon was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in Arkansas with his parents Laura and Morris McMillon. He was the eldest and had two siblings. He went to Bentonville High School and the University of Arkansas for his Bachelor’s degree. Later, he went on to pursue an MBA from the University of Tulsa. Currently, McMillon lives in Arkansas with his wife, Shelley, and two sons.