Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Doug McMillon

Updated: November 15, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Doug McMillon made an impact.

Doug McMillon is the president and CEO of Walmart since 2014, also serving on its board. He began his career with Walmart as a summer associate during high school. Before becoming CEO, McMillon held leadership positions at Sam's Club from 2005 to 2009 and Walmart International from 2009 to 2013. His long tenure with the company showcases his deep understanding of Walmart's operations and strategy.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1991: Joined Walmart's buyer-training program

In 1991, after completing his MBA, Doug McMillon moved to Walmart's Bentonville headquarters to join the buyer-training program. He was originally in charge of buying fishing tackle and later took on various roles as a buyer and a merchandiser, dealing in food, clothes, crafts and furnishings.

August 4, 2005: Promoted to president and CEO of Sam's Club

On August 4, 2005, Doug McMillon was promoted to president and CEO of Sam's Club. During his time, Sam's Club emphasized marketing to small business customers and incorporated limited-selection expensive premium items such as diamond necklaces and wine vacations to compete with Costco.

February 2009: Led Walmart's international division

In February 2009, Doug McMillon was moved from his role at Sam's Club to lead Walmart's international division, replacing Mike Duke. Under McMillon, Walmart International focused on improving in existing markets and acquired a majority stake in South Africa's Massmart Holdings Ltd.

November 25, 2013: Joined Walmart's board of directors

On November 25, 2013, Walmart announced that Doug McMillon would immediately join the company's board of directors.

2013: Move to head Walmart Stores Inc.

In late 2013, Walmart announced it would move Doug McMillon to head Walmart Stores, Inc. At that time, Walmart International operated 6,300 stores in 26 countries.

February 1, 2014: Became CEO of Walmart

On February 1, 2014, Doug McMillon replaced Mike Duke as Walmart CEO, becoming the company's fifth chief executive.

2014: Walmart began rolling out an initiative to replace lighting

In 2014, Walmart began rolling out an initiative to replace lighting in its stores in the US, UK, Latin America and Asia with LED lights for energy efficiency.

February 2015: Walmart increased associate wages

In February 2015, Doug McMillon announced Walmart would invest an additional US$2.7 billion in higher associate wages, benefits and training, including raising its lowest wage to US$9 an hour in 2015 and US$10 an hour for 2016.

2015: Invested in E-commerce

In 2015 Doug McMillon announced that Walmart would invest US$1 billion on its online operations and also Walmart made it a long-term goal to improve the company's environmental sustainability and eliminate waste across the company.

January 2016: McMillon announced three main goals for Walmart

At the Davos World Economic Forum in January 2016, Doug McMillon announced that Walmart would press three of its main goals: supply the company with renewable energy, eliminate waste and promote sustainably packaged goods.

January 2016: Announced raises for the majority of Walmart's workers

In January 2016, Doug McMillon announced raises for the majority of Walmart's workers, free basic short-term disability for full-time workers and a revised paid time off program.

December 2016: Joined business forum assembled by Donald Trump

In December 2016, Doug McMillon joined a business forum assembled by then president-elect Donald Trump to provide strategic and policy advice on economic issues.