Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) announced the appointment of Judith Mckenna as its new U.S. COO, to succeed Gisel Ruiz, who was appointed to the post of executive vice president of Wal-Mart’s international people division. The appointments, which are effective immediately, is a part of the company’s reshuffling of top management under the tenure of U.S. chief Greg Foran.
Judith Mckenna comes to her new post as a veteran, having served Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) for almost twenty years in a row. She started her stint at Wal-Mart in 1996 by joining Asda Stores Ltd, the retailer’s unit in the U.K. and its largest international subsidiary. She went on to become Asda’s CFO and COO, respectively, and thereafter served as Wal-Mart International’s executive vice president of strategy and international development. Wal-Mart U.S. saw McKenna initiating the Grocery Pickup facility, patterned after Asda. According to Wal-Mart’s U.S. chief Greg Foran, McKenna’s experience has brought significant contributions to Wal-Mart’s business throughout her career.
The new appointments are being implemented by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) in the face of 0.5 percent growth reported in the quarter ended October 31, after the company has seen either a flat or declining sales figures in the previous six quarters. Wal-Mart’s U.S. Chief Merchandising Officer Duncan Mac Naughton left last month after bracing with difficulties in boosting the performance of the company’s stores. Foran said in October that he has identified urgent agendas to beef-up sales. In her new role, McKenna is charged with overseeing Wal-Mart’s small format stores and will be reporting directly to Foran.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is hoping to build up on the growth it posted the previous quarter. According to Foran, McKenna’s knowledge of international best practices and success in managing global associates will be significant in driving Wal-Mart U.S. forward. “It’s exciting to bring her skills in managing store operations, small format growth, logistics and e-commerce to an expanded role in our U.S. operations.”, Foran said in a statement.
This article has been written by Nonito Guntan.
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