Industry Intelligence

As it approaches its new fiscal year, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has announced a number of changes across the business, drawing on a deep bench of internal talent.

“We are very intentional about developing talent to meet the needs of our rapidly growing business worldwide,” said Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke. “The promotions we are announcing are clear evidence that our succession and management development programs work, and that we have highly talented, well-rounded and experienced business leaders ready to step into larger roles when the opportunities arise.”

Current Sam’s Club President and CEO Brian Cornell, 52, plans to move back to the Northeast for family reasons. With his departure, Rosalind G. Brewer, 49, is being promoted to president and CEO of Sam’s Club, reporting to Duke, effective Feb. 1.
Brewer was most recently president of the Walmart U.S. east business unit, where she was responsible for more than $100 billion in annual revenue, representing almost 1,600 stores and more than 500,000 associates. Brewer was also the first chairperson of the Walmart President’s Council of Global Women Leaders.

“Roz came to us with an outstanding background in consumer packaged goods more than five years ago,” Duke said. “During that time, I have seen her develop into a talented merchant and retailer. She has strong strategic, analytical and operational skills and has successfully managed a large and complex business. I’ve also been struck by Roz’s servant leadership when I have visited stores with her. She always lets her team do the talking, with her focus being on how to better support their needs.”

Prior to Walmart, Brewer worked for Kimberly-Clark, progressing through various positions and eventually becoming president of a key business sector in 2004.

“Brian has done a terrific job at Sam’s Club,” Duke said of Cornell. “He is a strong, high-energy leader who has delivered great results and leaves behind a business with outstanding momentum. In addition to building a talented, high-functioning team to run that business, he has also developed other leaders who now hold senior positions around the globe.”

Cornell said: “Being part of the Sam's Club family has been a wonderful personal and professional experience, one that I will always value. I have felt at home here and have a strong connection to the associates, the company and its values and mission.”

Rollin Ford, 49, is being promoted to chief administrative officer, effective Feb. 1. Specific areas of responsibility include the information systems division, global sourcing, global business processes, global shared services and global customer insights. Ford was most recently the company’s chief information officer, and will continue reporting to Duke.

Gisel Ruiz, 41, is being promoted to executive VP and COO for Walmart U.S., effective Feb. 1. In this position, she will be responsible for the company’s U.S. operations, which cover more than 3,800 stores and include Supercenters, discount stores, Neighborhood Markets and Walmart Express formats. Ruiz will continue reporting to Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill Simon and all three regional business unit presidents will report to her.

Karenann Terrell, 50, is being promoted to chief information officer for the company, effective Feb. 1. She will be responsible for the company’s global technology systems including stores and clubs, supply chain, merchandising and enterprise platforms.

Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. operates more than 10,000 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide.