Walmart Creates New AI Executive Roles to Accelerate Innovation and Improve Customer Experience

Walmart Creates Two Executive Roles Focused on AI Innovation

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has announced the addition of two new executive leadership positions dedicated to artificial intelligence. The move aims to accelerate innovation by integrating AI and advanced product management deeply into Walmart's operations.

McMillon emphasized that these roles will help Walmart move faster and smarter, putting AI at the core of its strategy.

Key Executive Appointments

• Executive Vice President of AI Acceleration, Product, and Design: Daniel Danker, former Chief Product Officer at Instacart, has been appointed to this global role. He will lead AI transformation initiatives and oversee product management and design across the company. Danker highlighted Walmart’s bold adoption of technology to improve people's lives.
• Executive Vice President of AI Platforms: This position, described as visionary by McMillon, will focus on building Walmart’s AI future by enhancing productivity, speed, and innovation. The EVP of AI Platforms will own AI platforms and architect the intelligent systems powering Walmart’s operations. This role will report to Suresh Kumar, Walmart’s Global CTO and Chief Development Officer. The individual filling this position has not yet been named.

Why This Matters for Product and Innovation Leaders

Walmart is seizing a critical opportunity to embed AI across its business functions, aiming to improve both customer and associate experiences. The creation of these roles signals a strategic shift toward faster, more integrated AI-driven product development and system design.

For managers and product development professionals, Walmart’s approach illustrates the importance of combining AI expertise with strong product leadership. It highlights how AI can be embedded at multiple levels—from platform architecture to user-centered design—to drive meaningful business outcomes.

As AI continues to reshape industries, developing skills in AI acceleration and platform management becomes increasingly valuable. For those looking to expand their expertise, exploring specialized AI training courses can provide practical knowledge to lead similar initiatives effectively.

Learn more about AI training options here: Complete AI Training - Courses by Job.

Looking Ahead

McMillon expressed optimism about the potential impact of these new roles. “Artificial intelligence is changing how we work,” he said. The focus will be on leveraging AI to strengthen Walmart’s business while enhancing experiences for customers, members, and associates.

This development serves as a clear example of how large organizations are adapting their leadership structures to keep pace with technological change. It’s a reminder that product leaders must stay ahead by integrating AI thoughtfully into their strategies and teams.