User:Elizabeth at Walmart/Judith McKenna

Judith McKenna
Born1966
NationalityBritish
Alma materUniversity of Hull
OccupationBusinesswoman
TitleCEO of Walmart International
TermFebruary 2018–present
PredecessorDavid Cheesewright
SpousePhil Dutton
Children2

Judith McKenna (born 1966) is a British businesswoman. McKenna serves as CEO of Walmart's international division after succeeding David Cheesewright in 2018. Previously, she held leadership roles within Walmart's U.S. division and Asda Stores Ltd., a subsidiary of Walmart International.

Early life

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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

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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]

Personal life

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

References

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  1. ^ a b "Judith McKenna". BBC Radio 4. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g 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. ^ a b c "Judith McKenna: The MT Interview". Management Today. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  4. ^ a b Wood, Zoe (November 15, 2008). "How Asda takes sting out of the crunch". The Guardian. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  5. ^ a b c d Souza, Kim (January 17, 2018). "Judith McKenna to lead Walmart International, Cheesewright to retire". Talk Business & Politics. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  6. ^ a b c Kowitt, Beth (September 25, 2018). "Meet the Woman Running Walmart's Biggest Deal Ever". Fortune. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "#14: Judith McKenna". Fortune. 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  8. ^ a b 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.


Category:Living people Category:1960s births Category:Walmart people Category:People from Middlesbrough Category:Alumni of the University of Hull Category:British women chief executives