BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Kathryn McLay has been named president and CEO of Sam’s Club at Walmart Inc. She most recently was executive vice president of Walmart Neighborhood Markets, leading the operations of nearly 700 stores nationwide. She replaces John Furner, who became president and CEO of Walmart US on Nov. 1.

McLay joined Walmart in 2015 as vice president of US finance and strategy and was later promoted to senior vice president of supply chain before assuming her most recent role. Prior to Walmart, she held various roles in retail and supply chain at Woolworths Group Ltd., an Australian supermarket company. Previously, she was internal audit manager at Quantas Airways Ltd.

“Kath has a track record of success in every role she has taken on,” said Douglas C. McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart Inc. “Her ability to deliver results today, develop a vision for the future and lead the change necessary to achieve it is compelling. She is curious and courageous. Kath builds trust and is a servant leader. She understands the details of retail given her audit, supply chain and operational experience.

“John Furner and the Sam’s Club team have strengthened our foundation and built momentum. Kath will help build on that and take it to the next level. We look forward to seeing her contributions to this part of our business.”