Walmart's CIO Is Jumping Ship — See Where He is Heading Next

Clay Johnson, executive vice president and enterprise CIO for Walmart, is leaving to take the newly created role of chief digital and technology officer for Yum! Brands, effective Oct. 15. He will also over see the company's global technology risk management and IT shared services teams.

Johnson will oversee the company’s global technology strategy, leading a coordinated effort across its KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell divisions, to accelerate digital commerce through use of data and advanced analytics and emerging technologies, to provide a best-in-class digital experience for both customers and employees, across mobile, online, delivery and restaurant operations.

Johnson brings more than 20 years of technology leadership across FORTUNE 50 companies and industries to the role. He led Walmart's digital transformation and leveraged technology to increase speed, value and provide a better customer experience. He also built innovation hubs in Dallas and Austin, Texas, to focus on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine vision, machine learning, blockchain, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT). He also is credited with moving Walmart's technology organization into an agile way of thinking and working. He was recently named CIO of the Year and one of the Most Influential CIOs in the industry.