Walmart CEO Warns AI Will Transform 2.1 Million Jobs Globally

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has warned that artificial intelligence will reshape every job across the company's 2.1 million global workforce, including 1.6 million in the U.S. He emphasized that AI will change roles from entry-level positions to leadership, with employees needing to adapt and learn how to use new AI tools such as ChatGPT. Walmart is actively equipping workers through digital training programs and Walmart Academies to help them transition into AI-augmented roles, aiming to maintain its status as a large employer despite operational changes. The company has partnered with OpenAI to enhance customer shopping experiences via AI and is using AI internally to optimize inventory management and reduce waste. While Walmart has implemented a global hiring freeze, it focuses on redefining existing jobs rather than layoffs, stressing the importance of human elements in customer interactions alongside automation. McMillon's message reflects a corporate strategy to leverage AI offensively while supporting its workforce through transformation rather than immediate job cuts.