Walmart U.S. Names Steve Bratspies Chief Merchandising Officer
by October 9, 2015 10:57 am 656 views
Walmart U.S. has named Steve Bratspies the new chief merchandising officer, the retailer announced on Friday.
Starting Oct. 19, Bratspies will oversee all merchandise categories across more than 4,500 stores.
Bratspies joined the company in 2005 and has held several leadership positions at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in marketing, dry grocery and general merchandise.
Most recently, he served as the executive vice president of food for Walmart U.S. where he overhauled the retailer’s grocery aisles with a focus on improving its fresh offering and expanding its private brand and global sourcing capabilities, according to Walmart.
In his new role as CMO, Bratspies avowed dedication to competitive pricing and e-commerce, in a press release from the retailer.
“We will stay true to our mission by strengthening our commitment to everyday low prices, optimizing our assortment and winning at omnichannel retailing through strong partnerships with suppliers and a continued investment in our associates,” he said.
He will continue to report to Walmart U.S. president and CEO Greg Foran.
“Steve is a true leader and an example of the rich talent that exists within the merchandise organization,” Foran said, in the press release. “His outstanding merchandising instincts and commitment to innovation and price leadership will challenge the status quo to serve our customers better.”
Charles Redfield will succeed Bratspies as executive vice president of food for Walmart U.S.
Redfield joined Sam’s Club in 1988 as a cashier and moved up the ranks to serve in several operational and merchandising leadership roles, including chief merchandising officer at Asda, a Walmart subsidiary in the United Kingdom, according to Walmart.
Most recently, Redfield served as executive vice president of merchandising at Sam’s Club.
In addition, John Furner has been named executive vice president of merchandising for Sam’s Club.
Furner was previously chief merchandising and marketing officer at Walmart China, driving significant improvements in buying leverage and reducing organizational complexity resulting in improved profitability and price leadership, according to Walmart.