Walmart CEO Reviews 50 Years of Success

At the company’s annual shareholders meeting, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. President and CEO Mike Duke took the occasion of the retailer’s 50th year in business to highlight five “enduring values” that have long been a core strength for the company and will continue to drive its success: integrity, opportunity, family and community, purpose and responsibility. Duke believes customers around the world will only increasingly expect companies to reflect these values in the years ahead.

 

“You can't build a company of our size, over a 50-year time period, during so much change in the world, on a weak foundation,” says Duke. “It requires bedrock that runs deep, building blocks that stay strong, and mortar that binds it all together. The values that built Walmart, defined Walmart and sustained Walmart for the past 50 years will drive our success and make us proud for the next 50 years.”

 

The CEO also praised the recent performance of its business segments and the company’s progress in building the Next Generation Walmart. Duke applauded Walmart U.S. stores’ sales comps, Walmart International’s profit growth and continued sales momentum at Sam’s Club. He also highlighted progress made with the productivity loop, in Global e-commerce and recruiting and retaining talent. Duke adds: “I've said this before, and I'll say it again, Walmart is the best-positioned global retailer in the world today.”

 

Duke closed his remarks by reflecting on the timeless contributions of the company’s iconic founder, Sam Walton. “I believe Sam Walton's greatest legacy was the foundation he built -- the culture, the beliefs and the enduring values,” Duke says. “We can't possibly envision what the world, what retailing, what Walmart will look like in another 50 years. But if we stay true to the foundation that Sam Walton built, we'll continue to be a better company, a stronger company and a prouder company. And over the next 50 years, there will be no limit to the good we can do around the world.”