Worlds Largest Employer Makes Changes to C-Suite

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s makeover continues, right down to its executive offices. Recently, Walmart announced that it’s getting a new chief financial officer, chief merchandiser and senior vice president of sustainability.

Walmart’s current chief financial officer, Charles Holley, will be retiring at the end of the year.

Holley, a 20-year Walmart veteran who has served as chief financial officer since 2010, will be replaced by Brett Biggs. The change is effective Dec. 31, though Holley will stay with the company until Jan. 31, 2016, to assist with the transition.

Biggs currently serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Walmart International.

In a press release announcing the appointment, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon stated: “Brett is a strong leader whose broad experience uniquely qualifies him to lead our finance and strategy areas. Having had a variety of important roles in all three of Walmart’s business segments, Brett is well prepared. He thoroughly understands Walmart’s operations, how we intend to compete in a dynamic and changing retail environment and how we can best serve customers, associates and shareholders.”

New Merchandising Chief

On Oct. 19, Steve Bratspies entered his new role as chief merchandising officer for Walmart’s operations in the U.S.

Bratspies joined Walmart in 2005 after a career that included tenures at Specialty Brands and Frito-Lay.

Bratspies currently reports to Walmart U.S. CEO Greg Foran, and will continue to do so. In a recent press release, Foran expressed his confidence in Bratspies’ abilities.

“Steve is a true leader and an example of the rich talent that exists within the merchandise organization,” he said, according to 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 fill Bratspies’ previous position as Walmart U.S.’s executive vice president of food.

Redfield is a 23-year Walmart veteran who previously served as chief merchandising officer for Asda, a Walmart-owned chain in the United Kingdom, and as executive vice president of merchandising at Sam’s Club.

Sustainability Shuffle

A new year always brings changes, and 2016 will be no exception. On Jan. 1, Laura Phillips will assume the role of senior vice president of sustainability at Walmart.

Phillips has been with the company for 20 years and currently serves as senior vice president for omnichannel assortments.

Once Phillips assumes her new position, she’ll report to Walmart chief sustainability officer Kathleen McLaughlin.

A GreenBiz.com article notes that McLaughlin praised Phillips in a company memo. “She began her Walmart career as a store intern and has grown up in Walmart U.S., working her way up from a buyer for toys, cosmetics and fresh flowers to vice president,” McLaughlin wrote, according to GreenBiz.com. “Laura will help ensure Walmart remains on track to meet our aggressive sustainability goals.”

Phillips replaces Manuel Gomez, who has accepted the role of vice president of e-commerce for Walmart de Mexico and Central America.