National Retail Federation elects Walmart’s Furner board chairman
by January 17, 2022 8:55 am 1,196 views
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has elected Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner chairman of the NRF board of directors.
Furner assumes a role previously held by Qurate Retail President and CEO Mike George, who was the board chair since 2020.
The board is the governing body for the world’s largest trade association. NRF announced Furner’s two-year appointment Saturday (Jan. 15) ahead of NRF 2022: Retail’s Big Show, the National Retail Federation’s annual industry event in New York City.
“Retailers are the lifeblood of local communities, serving millions of customers each day with the items they need and much more,” Furner said in a statement. “Our industry is uniquely positioned to ignite economic growth and positive change in neighborhoods big and small. I look forward to leading the NRF Board during this consequential time, and I’m confident we’ll all continue to rise to the occasion.”
Before becoming Walmart U.S. CEO, Furner was president and chief executive officer of Sam’s Club from 2017-2019. A Rogers native, Furner began his career with the retailer as an hourly employee in Bentonville. He has held various roles throughout the company, including assistant store manager, store manager, district manager, buyer, regional general manager, divisional merchandising manager, vice president of global sourcing, general merchandise manager, head of marketing and merchandising for Walmart China based in Shenzhen, and chief merchant for Sam’s Club.
“We are extremely fortunate to gain John’s leadership at this pivotal point, as retailers move beyond the pandemic,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. “As we begin a new year and a new chapter for the industry, John’s extensive industry experience and knowledge will guide NRF and retailers large and small into a new era of innovation.”