Walmart taps Tesco exec to head Jet.com

Simon Belsham, a retail industry veteran who has spent the past seven years at British grocer Tesco, was named president of Jet.com this week. He replaces Liza Landsman, who is leaving the online retailer to return to finance.

Belsham will immediately report to Marc Lore, CEO of Walmart U.S. eCommerce, and will be focused on expanding the company’s online grocery business, Lore said.

“With Jet Grocery being an integral part of the strategy, Simon brings incredible experience in scaling grocery delivery and his unique background in converging technology and retail to create amazing experiences for customers,” Lore said.

Jet.com execs Andrew Gasper, David Echegoyen and Jack Hanlon will report to Belsham,

Walmart Chief Financial Officer Brett Biggs said recently Jet.com will be focused on growth in urban markets and Walmart will be pulling back some marketing dollars for Jet.com, instead focusing on growing the Walmart.com brand. That said, Jet’s recent launch of Uniquely J., an upscale private label brand, is aimed at winning some share against Target and Amazon.

“There are so many ways technology can change retail and be a force for good in our lives,” Belsham said. “In my view, there is no business better positioned to take advantage of the opportunity ahead than the combination of Walmart and Jet.”