Walmart, Inc. named Kyle Kinnard as chief operating officer of its U.S. business. He is replacing Kieran Shanahan, a 29-year Walmart veteran and has been EVP and COO since August 2023.
An internal memo from the company’s U.S. CEO, David Guggina, and Walmart International CEO Chris Nicholas indicated Shanahan will stay on through the end of the fiscal year in an advisory role.
Kinnard currently serves as COO of Walmart International. He has held several senior roles during more than 25 years with the company, including executive vice president of Health and Wellness for Walmart U.S.
”Kyle’s proven track record is matched only by his dedication to servant leadership and his passion for coaching the next generation of Walmart leaders,” the Walmart memo outlines.
In his new role, Kinnard will continue to serve as chair of the board of directors for Walmart de México y Centroamérica. His move to the U.S. business means Juan Galarraga, former senior vice president, global operations and platform integration, has been promoted to executive vice president and regional general manager for the Latin America business within Walmart International, according to the memo.
Galarraga joined Walmart in 2024 as senior vice president of Acceleration and Support for Walmart U.S. Operations.
The change follows a wider leadership overhaul under recently appointed CEO John Furner, including the appointments of Guggina and Nicholas in January.
In May, Walmart announced the departures of Sam’s Club Chief Operating Officer Tom Ward and Cedric Clark, chief of store operations at Walmart.
Steve Schrobilgen was named to replace Ward at Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club also announced that EVP and Chief Experience Officer Diana Marshall planned to leave the company.
Images courtesy Walmart
