Penner is the son of Clifford and Joyce Penner, sex therapists based in Pasadena, California.[4][5] They have published sex-advice books from a Christian perspective.[5]
Prior to being named Walmart chairman, Penner held a variety of roles at Walmart. He started as a store employee and eventually became the CFO of Walmart Japan. He was appointed to the Walmart board of directors in 2008 and was named vice-chairman in 2014.[1]
On August 9, 2022, the NFL owners approved the purchase of the Denver Broncos by a syndicate consisting of Penner, his wife Carrie, S. Robson Walton, Condoleezza Rice, Mellody Hobson, and Sir Lewis Hamilton.[14] The next day, the Broncos announced that Penner would also be taking over as the team's new CEO after Joe Ellis stepped down from the position.[15] In his role, Penner is the operating head of the franchise and the public face of the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group. He has primary responsibility for the Broncos' day-to-day operations in collaboration with his partners.[15] He is recognized as the team's controlling owner by the NFL, and represents the Broncos at league meetings.[16]
Personal life
Penner is married to Carrie Walton Penner, the daughter of S. Robson Walton. Penner met his wife while they were undergraduates at Georgetown University. They have four children and live in Atherton, California.[7]