Judith McKenna

Judith McKenna (born 1966) is a British businesswoman. She has been CEO of Walmart's international division since 2018. Previously, she held leadership roles within Walmart's US division and Asda, a subsidiary of Walmart International.

Judith McKenna
Born1966 (age 54–55)
Middlesbrough, England[1]
NationalityBritish
Alma materUniversity of Hull
OccupationBusinesswoman
TitleCEO of Walmart International
TermFebruary 2018–present
PredecessorDavid Cheesewright
Spouse(s)Phil Dutton
Children2

Early life

McKenna was born in Middlesbrough, England, in 1966.[1][2][3] She was educated at a local comprehensive school, then earned a law degree at University of Hull.[3] She qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG.[4]

Career

McKenna started her career with KPMG, followed by Carlsberg Tetley and Allied Domecq, and joined Asda in 1996.[2] McKenna became chief financial officer of Asda in 2001, a position she held until she was promoted to chief operating officer in July 2011.[3][4]

At Asda, McKenna worked with David Cheesewright, whom she would later succeed at Walmart International.[5] McKenna moved to the U.S. to lead strategy and development for Walmart International in 2014.[5] The following year, she became chief operating officer for Walmart U.S.[5] As COO, McKenna and Walmart U.S. president CEO Greg Foran led a $2 billion investment in higher wages, training, and technology.[6] McKenna undertook initiatives to improve store associates' workplace, including efforts to clean stores, relax the dress code, and reinstituting Walmart Radio.[6] McKenna also brought to Walmart U.S. tools she used at Asda, including online ordering and in-store pickup.[6]

In January 2018, it was announced that McKenna would return to Walmart International, succeeding David Cheesewright as president and CEO.[5][2] McKenna took the post in February, and leads strategy and operations in more than 25 countries including Mexico, Canada, China, and India.[7][2][8] In 2018, she oversaw the $16 billion acquisition of 77 percent of Flipkart, the largest online retailer in India.[7][8]

McKenna was named to Fortune's list of 50 Most Powerful Women in 2015, 2016, 2017,[2] and 2018,[9] and 2019.[10]

Personal life

McKenna met her husband, Phil Dutton, former finance director of Punch Taverns, when both worked at Asda.[2] They have two children.[2]

References
  1. "Judith McKenna". BBC Radio 4. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  2. Armstrong, Ashley (January 17, 2018). "Judith McKenna becomes most senior woman in UK food retail as Walmart international boss". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  3. "Judith McKenna: The MT Interview". Management Today. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  4. Wood, Zoe (November 15, 2008). "How Asda takes sting out of the crunch". The Guardian. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  5. Souza, Kim (January 17, 2018). "Judith McKenna to lead Walmart International, Cheesewright to retire". Talk Business & Politics. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  6. Kowitt, Beth (September 25, 2018). "Meet the Woman Running Walmart's Biggest Deal Ever". Fortune. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  7. "#14: Judith McKenna". Fortune. 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  8. Nassauer, Sarah (May 9, 2018). "Walmart Agrees to Buy 77% Stake in Flipkart for $16 Billion". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  9. McKay, Serenah (October 2, 2018). "Walmart exec climbs Fortune's 50 Most Powerful Women list". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  10. "Judith McKenna". Forbes. Retrieved 2019-12-17.
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