As the retail industry continues navigating shifting consumer behaviors, economic pressures, and rapid digital transformation, executive leadership changes at major companies are poised to influence strategy and performance this year. Retail Brew highlights a roster of CEO transitions that signal both continuity and disruption across the sector.
1. Walmart: A New Era Begins
Walmart’s longtime CEO Doug McMillon is retiring after more than a decade at the helm, marking one of the most significant leadership transitions in big‑box retail. McMillon’s tenure saw heavy investments in e‑commerce, technology, and supply chain improvements.
John Furner, currently head of Walmart U.S., will take over as CEO on February 1, 2026, tasked with sustaining momentum and steering the company further into its AI‑powered future.
2. Target: Continuity Amid Challenges
On the same date, Michael Fiddelke will become Target’s CEO, succeeding Brian Cornell, who shifts to executive chair. Fiddelke, a long‑time Target veteran, steps into the role as the retailer copes with ongoing foot‑traffic declines and softer discretionary spending trends.
His leadership will be under close watch as Target seeks to stabilize performance and elevate its competitive positioning.
3. CPG Influence: Coca‑Cola CEO Transition
Across the aisle of consumer packaged goods, Coca‑Cola will appoint Henrique Braun as its new CEO on March 31, as incumbent James Quincey moves to executive chair.
While not strictly retail, this leadership change illustrates how affiliated categories continue influencing omnichannel strategies, particularly with beverage assortments that drive in‑store and digital sales.
4. CEO Searches Still Underway
Several major chains remain in transition:
- Kroger continues its executive search after the unexpected departure of Rodney McMullen, seeking its first external CEO in the grocer’s long history.
- Lululemon is also searching for a successor as Calvin McDonald exits at the end of January 2026, with investor stakes influencing leadership deliberations.
- 7‑Eleven and L.L. Bean are both planning CEO turnovers later this year, underscoring broader C‑suite churn as businesses recalibrate for future growth.
5. Interim Leadership and Strategic Shifts
Beauty and personal care company Coty named interim CEO Markus Strobel after a shake‑up involving its board and outgoing leadership. The ongoing executive decisions at Coty reflect the sector’s challenges around portfolio optimization and brand licensing.
