BENTONVILLE, AR - As of March 3, Walmart stepped into a new era of operational leadership. The retailer is aiming to strengthen its hold on the retail industry, welcoming former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Randall Stephenson as the newest member of its Board. With this addition, Walmart brought its Board Member count up to 12.

“I’m honored to be appointed to the Board of Walmart,” said Stephenson. “I’ve admired how the management team and Walmart associates have continued to adapt and change to serve customers in new and exciting ways while also serving communities during an unprecedented health crisis. I look forward to joining my colleagues on the Board to further the company’s vision of becoming the best omni-retailer in the world.”

According to a press release, Stephenson retired in January of 2021 after a 38-year career that began in 1982 with Southwestern Bell Telephone. Prior to his retirement, Stephenson was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T, serving from 2007 until July 2020, having also served as President from 2007 through September 2019. Under his leadership, AT&T was transformed from a global leader in mobile Internet services and IP-broadband communications to a media and telecom conglomerate after its acquisition of Time Warner in 2019.

In addition, Stephenson held a variety of high-level finance, operational, and marketing positions with AT&T, including serving as Chief Operating Officer from 2004 until his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2007 and as Chief Financial Officer from 2001 to 2004.

“Randall’s experience as a global business leader and, in particular, his leadership skills and insights in finance, technology, retail, and brand management will be a tremendous benefit as we shape the next generation of retail,” said Chairman of the Board Greg Penner. “We look forward to working with him as we drive Walmart’s strategy forward and continue providing effective governance for all our stakeholders.”

Stephenson holds a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Central State University (now known as the University of Central Oklahoma). He has served on the Board of Directors of Boy Scouts of America since 2005, including as Chairman of the Board from 2016 to 2018, and the PGA Tour since 2012. Stephenson was also chairman of the Business Roundtable from 2014 to 2016.

Congratulations to Randall Stephenson on this exciting appointment!

Walmart