Judith McKenna


Judith McKenna 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.

Early life

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

Career

McKenna started her career with KPMG, followed by Carlsberg Tetley and Allied Domecq, and joined Asda in 1996. McKenna became chief financial officer of Asda in 2001, a position she held until she was promoted to chief operating officer in July 2011.
At Asda, McKenna worked with David Cheesewright, whom she would later succeed at Walmart International. McKenna moved to the U.S. to lead strategy and development for Walmart International in 2014. The following year, she became chief operating officer for Walmart U.S. As COO, McKenna and Walmart U.S. president CEO Greg Foran led a $2 billion investment in higher wages, training, and technology. McKenna undertook initiatives to improve store associates' workplace, including efforts to clean stores, relax the dress code, and reinstituting Walmart Radio. McKenna also brought to Walmart U.S. tools she used at Asda, including online ordering and in-store pickup.
In January 2018, it was announced that McKenna would return to Walmart International, succeeding David Cheesewright as president and CEO. McKenna took the post in February, and leads strategy and operations in more than 25 countries including Mexico, Canada, China, and India. In 2018, she oversaw the $16 billion acquisition of 77 percent of Flipkart, the largest online retailer in India.
McKenna was named to Fortunes list of 50 Most Powerful Women in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, and 2019.

Personal life

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