On November 1^st, John Furner will replace Greg Foran as President & CEO of Walmart’s U.S. Stores Division; stepping down from his current role as the Sam’s Club President and CEO.

Mr. Furner has had a career at Walmart and Sam’s Club that spans two decades. He became CEO of Sam’s Club in February 2017 after previously serving as Sam’s Exec VP of Merchandising and prior to that spending nearly three years as Sr. VP and Chief Merchandising Officer for Walmart China.

His younger age may assist with the adoption of new technology. While at Sam’s Club, Mr. Furner implemented many digital initiatives designed to save time and enhance convenience. During Furner’s tenure, Sam’s Club has raised the bar on innovation with its recently opened 32,000 sq. ft. concept called Sam’s Club Now in Dallas, TX, that took just three months to develop.

Walmart Stores Inc. did not reveal a successor for the Sam’s Club President and CEO role, but it is safe to assume the new person will be one of Furner’s former direct reports.

The upcoming transition could be good news for manufacturers and suppliers. A new leader will bring new directions which could mean a new plan for success. Businesses should be looking towards 2020 as source of opportunities as Furner rolls out his vision for the company. Companies looking to connect with Walmart and Sam’s Club can invest in CSG’s Discount, Dollar, & Specialty Stores PLUS database which contains over 900 buyers, executives, and key decision makers for the two retailers.