Judith McKenna

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]

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]

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