Julie Barber

Julie, a seasoned retail executive, currently serves as the executive vice president and chief merchant at Sam's Club, bringing more than 20 years of experience from Walmart Inc. Recognized for her ability to spearhead growth, innovation and mentorship, Julie's core purpose is to inspire and elevate herself and others to believe the unimaginable. She achieves this through a balance of authenticity, care and courage, factors that guide her strategic leadership and business transformations.

Julie began her career journey as an analyst with the Walmart Services team, where she quickly doubled her portfolio. Her tenure at Walmart included learning the intricacies of the Financial Services business and leading the Walmart Innovations team, where she helped transform the fresh beef category and develop new processes beneficial to the entire organization.

In 2012, Julie transitioned to the merchandising team as a senior buyer in Fresh, where she was honored as the Buyer of the Year for the food team at Walmart. She continued to grow within the merchandising division, earning her first officer role as vice president of Snacks in 2015.

She then went on to lead Walmart's Health & Wellness business in stores nationwide and was promoted to senior vice president in 2020, overseeing the entire Health & Wellness portfolio in stores and on Walmart.com. Julie was responsible for this critical business function during the COVID-19 pandemic and played an instrumental leadership role helping to guide her team and the company through the crisis.

In early 2022, Julie had the opportunity to lead the Hardlines business for Walmart U.S., and later in the same year, she was promoted to oversee all General Merchandise, including Entertainment, Toys, Seasonal, Hardlines and Home categories before joining Sam’s Club in January of 2025.

Julie, an alumnus of the University of Arkansas, holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a minor in communications. She actively leads the University of Arkansas Retail Advisory Board, advises the Board of Directors for the Network of Executive Women in NWA, and serves as a director on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors and the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County Board of Directors. In 2025, Julie was recognized as one of Mass Market Retailers’ Women of Influence.

Julie and her husband, Keith, are parents to three children and live in Northwest Arkansas. In her spare time, Julie enjoys running, biking and participating in her children's activities.