History of Doug McMillon in Timeline

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.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 17, 1966: Doug McMillon born

On October 17, 1966, Carl Douglas McMillon was born. He is an American businessman who is the president and CEO of Walmart since 2014.

Others born on this day/year

1989: Graduated from University of Arkansas

In 1989, after high school, Doug McMillon graduated with a bachelor's degree from University of Arkansas.

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: Named to Forbes' World's Most Powerful People list

In 2014, Doug McMillon was named to Forbes' World's Most Powerful People list, ranking No. 29.

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.

March 31, 2015: Urged Arkansas governor to veto "religious freedom" bill

On March 31, 2015, Doug McMillon issued a statement urging Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson to veto the state's "religious freedom" bill, stating that it threatened inclusion and did not reflect Walmart's values.

June 2015: Stopped selling confederate flag merchandise

In June 2015, Doug McMillon said that Walmart would stop selling Confederate flag merchandise following a shooting in Charleston, South Carolina.

August 2015: Ceased sales of military-style semiautomatic weapons

In August 2015, Doug McMillon altered Walmart's gun sales and ceased sales of military-style semiautomatic weapons.

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.

2015: Ranked No. 4 on ExecRank's list of top CEOs

In 2015, Doug McMillon was ranked No. 4 on ExecRank's 2015 list of top CEOs for large companies and was also named to Forbes' World's Most Powerful People list, ranking No. 32.

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.

2016: Named to Forbes' World's Most Powerful People list

In 2016, Doug McMillon was named to Forbes' World's Most Powerful People list, ranking No. 27.

August 2017: Wrote a rebuke of President Trump's response

In August 2017, Doug McMillon wrote a rebuke of President Trump's response to the violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, stating that the President "missed a critical opportunity to help bring our country together".

August 2019: Mass shooting at Walmart in El Paso, Texas

In August 2019, a mass shooting took place at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, which led to the company changing their policy on ammunition sales.

September 2019: Stopped selling ammunition used for handguns and military-style weapons

In September 2019, Doug McMillon announced that Walmart would no longer sell ammunition used for handguns and military-style weapons, following a mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, in August 2019.