Walmart Company Profile Report | Understanding Walmart's Organizational Structure

Walmart Company Profile Report

August 3, 2024

Walmart Inc.
702 South West 8th Street
Bentonville, AR 72716
United States
Main Phone: (479) 273-4000
Website: https://www.stock.walmart.com
Industry Sector: Consumer - Discount Stores
Full Time Employees: 2,100,000
Annual Revenue: $638.79 Billion USD
CEO: Doug McMillon, President, CEO & Director
Fortune 500 Rank: #1 in 2023

Last Updated on August 3, 2024

How would you describe the Walmart company structure?

Walmart utilizes a hybrid organizational structure that combines elements of hierarchical and functional structures. This approach allows the company to maintain a clear chain of command while also leveraging the expertise of specialized departments.

Hierarchical Structure
At the top of the organizational hierarchy is the Board of Directors, responsible for overseeing the company's overall direction and strategy. The Board appoints the CEO, who has direct oversight of various executive vice presidents and senior vice presidents. These executives manage specific business segments, such as Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club.

Within each business segment, the hierarchy continues with regional vice presidents, district managers, and store managers. This structure ensures clear lines of authority and accountability, allowing decisions to be made efficiently and effectively.

Functional Structure
Walmart also employs a functional structure, organizing employees based on their specialized skills and knowledge. This approach creates specialized departments, such as finance, human resources, marketing, and legal. These departments provide expertise and support to the various business segments and store operations.

The functional structure allows Walmart to leverage the talents of its employees efficiently, ensuring that each area of the business has access to the necessary expertise. It also promotes specialization and career development within the company.

Hybrid Approach
Walmart's hybrid organizational structure combines the strengths of both hierarchical and functional structures. The hierarchical structure provides clear lines of authority and accountability, while the functional structure allows for specialization and expertise. This combination enables Walmart to manage its complex operations effectively and respond to the diverse needs of its customers and business segments.

Benefits of the Hybrid Structure
The hybrid structure provides several benefits for Walmart:

Flexibility: The hybrid structure allows Walmart to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.
Efficiency: The specialized departments of the functional structure contribute to operational efficiency.
Expertise: The combination of hierarchical and functional structures ensures that Walmart has access to the necessary expertise in various areas.
Accountability: The hierarchical structure maintains clear lines of authority and accountability.

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Who is the current CEO of Walmart?

The current CEO of Walmart is Doug McMillon. He has been in this position since 2014.

McMillon joined Walmart in 1984 as a summer associate in the company's distribution center in Bentonville, Arkansas. He then worked his way up through the ranks, holding various positions in merchandising, logistics, and operations. In 1999, he was named president of Walmart International. In 2005, he became president and CEO of Sam's Club. And in 2009, he was appointed president and CEO of Walmart U.S.

McMillon is known for his focus on customer experience, innovation, and global growth. He has overseen Walmart's expansion into new markets, such as China and India. He has also led the company's efforts to invest in e-commerce and omnichannel retailing.

Here are some of McMillon's accomplishments as CEO of Walmart:

Increased Walmart's global sales from $466 billion in 2014 to $569 billion in 2022.
Expanded Walmart's online presence, with e-commerce sales growing from $12 billion in 2014 to over $90 billion in 2022.
Introduced new technologies to Walmart's stores, such as self-checkout kiosks and mobile payment options.
Invested in employee training and development programs.
Raised Walmart's minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2015.

McMillon is a respected leader in the retail industry. He has been named to Fortune magazine's list of the world's most powerful people multiple times. He is also a member of the Business Roundtable and the National Retail Federation board of directors.

What are Walmart’s growth strategies for 2024 and beyond?

Walmart, as the world's largest retailer, is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the changing needs of its customers. Here are some of the key growth strategies that Walmart is pursuing:

Omnichannel Retailing: Walmart is integrating its physical and online stores to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers. This includes initiatives such as curbside pickup, grocery delivery, and in-store mobile payments.
E-commerce Expansion: Walmart is investing heavily in expanding its e-commerce business. This includes acquiring new e-commerce companies, such as Jet.com, and developing new e-commerce platforms, such as Walmart Grocery Online.
Global Growth: Walmart is expanding its international presence, opening new stores in countries such as China and India. The company is also looking for opportunities to expand its e-commerce business into new markets.
Technology Innovation: Walmart is investing in new technologies to improve efficiency, enhance the customer experience, and develop new products and services. This includes investments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.
Sustainability: Walmart is committed to becoming a more sustainable company. This includes initiatives such as reducing energy consumption, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing.

In addition to these overarching strategies, Walmart is also pursuing a number of specific initiatives to drive growth, such as:

Expanding its product assortment to include new categories such as collectibles, luxury goods, and automotive parts.
Partnering with other companies to offer new services to customers.
Embracing live commerce.
Utilizing augmented reality to allow buyers to virtually experience products before making a purchase.

These growth strategies are designed to help Walmart maintain its position as a leading retailer and continue to attract customers worldwide. The company's focus on innovation, customer experience, and global expansion will be crucial in achieving its growth objectives in the years to come.

Who is the top competition in the marketplace?

Amazon is Walmart’s top competitor on both online and offline markets. Both companies sell a wide variety of products, from groceries and clothing to electronics and home goods. They also both have a strong presence in both the United States and internationally.

In addition to Amazon, Walmart also faces competition from other major retailers, such as Target, Kroger, and Costco. However, Amazon is widely considered to be Walmart's most formidable competitor.

Here are some of the factors that make Amazon such a strong competitor to Walmart:

Amazon's strong online presence: Amazon is the world's largest online retailer, and it has a significant advantage over Walmart in this area. Amazon's website and mobile app are easy to use and offer a wide variety of products at competitive prices.
Amazon's Prime membership program: Amazon Prime is a subscription service that offers a number of benefits, such as free two-day shipping, access to streaming video and music, and discounts on certain products. Prime membership has been a major driver of Amazon's growth, and it gives the company a significant advantage over Walmart.
Amazon's focus on innovation: Amazon is constantly innovating and developing new products and services.This has helped the company to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its position as a leader in the retail industry.

Walmart is taking steps to address these challenges and compete with Amazon. The company is investing heavily in its e-commerce business, improving its website and mobile app, and developing new products and services. Walmart is also expanding its international presence and experimenting with new retail formats, such as its Neighborhood Market grocery stores.

Only time will tell how the rivalry between Walmart and Amazon will play out. However, it is clear that these two companies are the two dominant forces in the retail industry, and they will continue to compete for years to come.

What does Walmart’s organizational structure look like?

Walmart's organizational structure is a hybrid of hierarchical and functional structures, allowing it to effectively manage its vast operations and respond to diverse customer needs.

Hierarchical Structure
The hierarchical structure provides clear lines of authority and accountability, ensuring that decisions are made efficiently and effectively. At the top of the organizational hierarchy is the Board of Directors, responsible for overseeing the company's overall direction and strategy. The Board appoints the CEO, who has direct oversight of various executive vice presidents and senior vice presidents.

These executives manage specific business segments, such as Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club.

Within each business segment, the hierarchy continues with regional vice presidents, district managers, and store managers. This structure ensures that decisions flow efficiently from the top of the organization to the front line, ensuring that employees have the necessary guidance and support to perform their jobs effectively.

Benefits of the Hybrid Structure
The hybrid structure provides several benefits for Walmart:

Flexibility: The hybrid structure allows Walmart to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.
Efficiency: The specialized departments of the functional structure contribute to operational efficiency, ensuring that resources are used effectively and waste is minimized.
Expertise: The combination of hierarchical and functional structures ensures that Walmart has access to the necessary expertise in various areas, from merchandising and supply chain management to finance and legal matters.
Accountability: The hierarchical structure maintains clear lines of authority and accountability, ensuring that employees are responsible for their actions and that decisions are made in a timely and efficient manner.

Overall, Walmart's hybrid organizational structure enables the company to effectively manage its vast operations, respond to diverse customer needs, and maintain a competitive edge in the retail industry. By combining the strengths of hierarchical and functional structures, Walmart has created a flexible, efficient, and expertise-driven organization that is well-positioned for future growth and success.

What does the Walmart Org Chart for the Board of Directors look like?

Who was elected to Walmart’s Board of Directors in 2024?

In 2023, Walmart elected 11 individuals to its board of directors. The nominations and elections took place at the company's annual shareholders' meeting on May 31, 2023. Here is a list of the individuals elected to Walmart's board of directors in 2024:

Gregory B. Penner
Chairman of the Walmart Inc. Board of Directors, General Partner of Madrone Capital Partners, CEO and an Owner of the Denver Broncos

Cesar Conde
Chairman of NBCUniversal News Group

Timothy P. Flynn
Retired Chairman and CEO of KPMG International

Sarah Friar
CEO of Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (Nextdoor)

Carla A. Harris
Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley

Tom Horton
Lead Independent Director, Walmart; Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Retired Chairman and CEO of American Airlines

Marissa A. Mayer
Co-founder and CEO of Sunshine Products, Inc. (formerly Lumi Labs, Inc.), and Former President and CEO of Yahoo!, Inc.

Doug McMillon
President and CEO, Walmart Inc.

Randall Stephenson
Retired Executive Chairman and CEO of AT&T Inc.

S. Robson ‘Rob’ Walton
Retired Chairman of the Board of Directors of Walmart Inc.

Steuart Walton
Founder and Chairman, RZC Investments, LLC

These individuals represent a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, including experience in technology, finance, retail, and consumer goods. They are expected to provide valuable guidance and oversight to the company as it continues to navigate an increasingly competitive and dynamic retail landscape.

Who are the executive decision-makers at Walmart as of August 2024?

Here are the top executives at Walmart as of August 2024:

NAME	TITLE	PHONE	EMAIL
Douglas McMillon	President, CEO & Director	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Allyson Park	Chief Communications Officer, Walmart	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Jon Alferness	Chief Product Officer, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Tom Ward	Executive Vice President and Chief eCommerce Officer, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Omer Tore	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Walmart International	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Steve Schmitt	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Diana Marshall	Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, Sam's Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Latriece Watkins	Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Megan Crozier	Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant, Sam’s Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Kieran Shanahan	Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Office, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Lance de la Rosa	Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Sam’s Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Seth Dallaire	Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Kathleen McLaughlin	Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Walmart Inc.; President, Walmart Foundation	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Cheryl Ainoa	Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Sam’s Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Matt Miner	Executive Vice President and Global Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Denise Incandela	Executive Vice President, Apparel and Private Brands, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Judy Werthauser	Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Silvia Azrai Kawas	Executive Vice President, Consumables, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
John Laney	Executive Vice President, Food, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Julie Barber	Executive Vice President, General Merchandising, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Dan Bryant	Executive Vice President, Global Public Policy and Government Affairs, Walmart Inc.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Hari Vasudev	Executive Vice President, Global Technology Platform	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Brian Setzer	Executive Vice President, Health & Wellness, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Leigh Hopkins	Executive Vice President, International Strategy & Development and Regional CEO – Asia and Walmex	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Kelvin L. Buncum	Executive Vice President, Neighborhood Markets, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Andrea Albright	Executive Vice President, Sourcing	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Cedric Clark	Executive Vice President, Store Operations, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
David Guggina	Executive Vice President, Supply Chain Operations, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Srini Venkatesan	Executive Vice President, Walmart U.S. Omni Platforms and Tech	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Deborah Vaughn	Senior Vice President & Chief Counsel for Walmart International and Global Sourcing	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Kerry Kotouc	Senior Vice President & Chief Counsel, U.S. Retail Operations	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Dwayne Milum	Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Denise Malloy	Senior Vice President and Chief Belonging Officer, Walmart Inc.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Nuala O'Connor	Senior Vice President and Chief Counsel, Digital Citizenship	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Brandi Joplin	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Sam’s Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Jerry R. Geisler III	Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, Walmart	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
William White	Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Walmart U.S.	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Christopher Shryock	Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Sam’s Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Tim Simmons	Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Sam's Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Joseph Godsey	Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Sam’s Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
David M. Chojnowski	Senior Vice President and Controller	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Chris Cyrenne	Senior Vice President and International Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Emma Waddell	Senior Vice President and U.S. Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Ciara Anfield	Senior Vice President, Chief Member and Marketing Officer, Sam’s Club	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Larry Lundeen	Senior Vice President, Global Security & Chief Security Officer	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com
Dan Binder	Senior Vice President, Global Treasurer	(479) 273-4000	[first].[last]@walmart.com

These executives represent a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, including experience in technology, finance, retail, and consumer goods. They are responsible for overseeing Walmart's various business segments and functions, ensuring that the company operates efficiently and effectively in a competitive and dynamic retail landscape.

Have there been any executive changes at Walmart in 2024?

Yes, there have been several executive leadership changes at Walmart in 2023. Here are some of the most notable changes:

Judith McKenna retired as president and CEO of Walmart International on January 31, 2023. She was succeeded by Kath McLay, who was previously executive vice president of Walmart International.
Chris Nicholas was appointed president and CEO of Sam's Club US on September 1, 2023. He was previously executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Sam's Club US.
Kieran Shanahan was appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S. on September 1, 2023. He was previously executive vice president of global supply chain for Walmart.

What Technology Platforms have been deployed?

Walmart has deployed a wide range of technology platforms to improve its operations, enhance the customer experience, and drive growth. Here are some of the key technology platforms that Walmart has deployed:

E-commerce Platform: Walmart's e-commerce platform, Walmart.com, is one of the largest and most successful online retailers in the world. The platform offers a wide variety of products, including groceries, apparel, electronics, and home goods. It also offers a number of convenient features, such as online grocery pickup and delivery, and in-store mobile payments.
Supply Chain Management Platform: Walmart's supply chain management platform is one of the most sophisticated in the world. The platform uses a variety of technologies, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotics, to optimize the flow of goods from suppliers to stores. This helps to ensure that products are available for customers when and where they need them.
Omnichannel Retailing Platform: Walmart is investing heavily in omnichannel retailing, which is the integration of physical and online stores to provide a seamless customer experience. The company has developed a number of technologies to support its omnichannel strategy, such as mobile checkout, online grocery pickup, and in-store mobile payments.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Platform: Walmart's CRM platform collects and analyzes data about its customers to better understand their needs and preferences. This data is used to personalize marketing campaigns, improve product recommendations, and provide more relevant customer service.
Cloud Infrastructure: Walmart has migrated a significant portion of its IT infrastructure to the cloud. This provides the company with greater flexibility, scalability, and cost savings.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Walmart is using AI and ML to improve a variety of operations, such as product recommendations, fraud detection, and supply chain optimization.
Robotics: Walmart is using robotics in its warehouses and stores to automate tasks such as picking and packing orders, and inventory management.
Data Analytics: Walmart is using data analytics to gain insights into its customers, its business operations, and the market. These insights are used to make informed decisions about everything from product development to marketing campaigns.

These are just a few of the many technology platforms that Walmart has deployed. The company is constantly innovating and investing in new technologies to improve its operations and enhance the customer experience. Download the Walmart Technographic Profile to see all IT vendors and products.

What is the Mission Statement and Business Philosophy?

Walmart's mission statement is:
To save people money so they can live better.

This mission statement reflects the company's commitment to providing customers with low prices on a wide variety of products. Walmart believes that its low prices help customers to stretch their paychecks further and improve their quality of life.

Walmart's business philosophy is based on the following principles:

Customer focus: Walmart puts its customers first in all of its decisions. The company is committed to providing its customers with low prices, a wide selection of products, and a convenient shopping experience.
Efficiency and cost control: Walmart is a very efficient operator. The company is constantly looking for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This helps to keep prices low for customers.
Innovation: Walmart is a leader in innovation. The company is constantly developing new products and services to meet the needs of its customers.
Global growth: Walmart is a global company with operations in over 24 countries. The company is committed to expanding its reach and bringing its low prices to customers around the world.

These principles have been instrumental in Walmart's success. The company has become the world's largest retailer by consistently delivering on its mission of saving people money so they can live better.

Walmart SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS

Strong brand recognition: Walmart is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. It has a loyal customer base and a strong reputation for value and convenience.
Large scale: Walmart is the largest retailer in the world, with a vast network of stores and distribution centers. This scale gives it significant economies of scale and bargaining power with suppliers.
Efficient supply chain: Walmart has a highly efficient supply chain that allows it to keep prices low. The company uses a variety of technologies, such as data analytics and robotics, to optimize its supply chain operations.
Diverse product assortment: Walmart offers a wide variety of products, including groceries, apparel, electronics, and home goods. This broad product assortment attracts a wide range of customers and helps to drive sales.
Omnichannel presence: Walmart is investing heavily in omnichannel retailing, integrating its physical and online stores to provide a seamless customer experience. This includes initiatives such as online grocery pickup and delivery, and in-store mobile payments.

WEAKNESSES

Thin profit margins: Walmart's profit margins are relatively thin due to its low-price strategy. This makes the company vulnerable to changes in costs and economic conditions.
Reliance on brick-and-mortar stores: Walmart is still heavily reliant on its brick-and-mortar stores, which are facing increasing competition from online retailers. The company needs to adapt its business model to succeed in the digital age.
Labor practices: Walmart has been criticized for its labor practices, including low wages, poor working conditions, and limited opportunities for advancement. These criticisms have tarnished the company's reputation and made it difficult to attract and retain employees.
Global reach: While Walmart is a global company, it has not been as successful in some markets as it has in others. The company needs to develop strategies tailored to specific markets to expand its global reach effectively.

OPPORTUNITIES

E-commerce growth: The e-commerce market is growing rapidly, and Walmart is well-positioned to take advantage of this growth. The company has a strong brand, a large customer base, and a well-developed logistics network.
Omnichannel retailing: Omnichannel retailing is a major trend in the retail industry, and Walmart is investing heavily in this area. The company is integrating its physical and online stores to provide a seamless customer experience.
International expansion: Walmart has the potential to expand its international reach further. The company has a strong brand and a proven business model that could be successful in new markets.
New product and service development: Walmart is constantly innovating and developing new products and services. This helps to keep the company competitive and attract new customers.
Data analytics: Walmart has a large amount of customer data that it can use to improve its operations and marketing campaigns. The company is investing in data analytics to gain insights from this data.

THREATS

Increased competition: The retail industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with new entrants and existing rivals constantly challenging Walmart's market position.
Economic downturn: An economic downturn could lead to decreased consumer spending and increased costs for Walmart. This would put pressure on the company's profitability.
Changing consumer preferences: Consumer preferences are constantly changing, and Walmart needs to adapt its products, services, and marketing strategies to meet these changing preferences.
Technological disruption: New technologies are constantly emerging, and Walmart needs to be prepared to adapt to these changes. The company could be disrupted by new competitors that are able to leverage new technologies more effectively.
Regulatory changes: Regulatory changes could impact Walmart's operations and profitability. The company needs to stay abreast of regulatory changes and be prepared to adapt its business practices accordingly.

Overall, Walmart is a strong company with a bright future. However, the company faces a number of challenges, including increased competition, economic uncertainty, and changing consumer preferences. Walmart will need to adapt its business model and continue to innovate to remain successful in the years to come.

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