Senior-level Walmart leaders exit the retailer ahead of the fiscal year-end

In addition to the departure of Scott Eckert, head of Walmart Store No. 8, three other senior-level Walmart executives are leaving their positions ahead of the company’s fiscal year-end on Feb. 1.

Denise Malloy, who joined Walmart in April to fill a new position as the chief belonging officer and senior vice president, is leaving. Donna Morris, the chief people officer at Walmart, announced the departure in a LinkedIn post on Jan. 19. Walmart is backfilling the role with Earvin Young Jr. on an interim basis. He is the vice president of belonging experience at Walmart’s Office of Belonging Unit within Human Resources.

“Creating a workplace where all associates feel seen, supported, and connected through a culture of belonging at Walmart is essential. I’m excited about our plans to continue this work” Morris noted.

Kevin Buncum, who led Walmart’s Neighborhood Market business for the past 12 years, is also leaving the company. Before leading the grocery business, Buncum worked as regional vice president in the Atlanta region of Walmart. He spent almost nine years at Sam’s Club in the north central division as regional vice president before that.

Buncum announced on social media last week that his decision to retire was bittersweet. He thanked those leaders past and present who mentored and promoted him during his tenure at Walmart such as former CFO Brett Biggs, former Sam’s CEO Rosalind Brewer, CEO Doug McMillon, and U.S. CEO John Furner.

Cedric Clark, executive vice president of store operations, praised Buncum’s time with the retailer.

“He spearheaded a transformative shift, proactively embracing innovation to position our NHM format for the future, accelerating our digital performance to meet the dynamic needs of our tech-savvy customers,” Clark noted in a social media post.

Judith McKenna is also exiting the company on Feb. 1. McKenna served as CEO of Walmart International in her last full-time role. She’s been working with Kath McLay who took over the international leadership role in August.

McKenna logged 27 years at Walmart beginning her tenure as Asda CFO in the United Kingdom. She would become chief operating officer at Asda before moving to the U.S. to hold the same role at Walmart U.S. She was active in Walmart’s early work to become an omnichannel retailer. For the past six years, she ran Walmart’s international business unit where she restructured the segment and led a multi-year transformation.