Greg Smith, head of Walmart supply chain, to exit the company 

Greg Smith, executive vice president of supply chain at Walmart, is leaving that post effective April 4 for a position at the medical device and service company Medtronic, according to an internal memo from Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner sent Wednesday (March 3).

Smith joined Walmart four years ago from Goodyear Tire. He spent 10 years at Conagra overseeing that supply chain and logistics operation prior to the similar role at Goodyear. Furner said Smith has served Walmart well during a time of change and extreme pressure of the past year navigating the pandemic.

“With responsibility for all product flow, distribution and fulfillment center operations, as well as all domestic and global transportation functions, he and his team have made significant progress in a number of key areas. I’d particularly highlight his critical work to integrate our store and eCommerce supply chains. His efforts have positioned the company to make substantial investments in supply chain capacity and productivity in coming years, and I’m excited about what’s ahead for that team,” Furner said in the memo.

He said Walmart is beginning a search for a new chief supply chain officer.

“We’re also conducting an internal process to fill a supply chain chief Operating officer (COO) role under that position, and this new COO role will have responsibility for leading our distribution centers, fulfillment centers and transportation fleet. Greg staying on until April 4 will help us with a smooth transition,” he added.

The departure of Smith is the second high-profile exit among supply chain executives at Walmart in recent weeks. Monique Picou left the retail giant last month to join Google. Picou worked as chief supply chain officer at Sam’s Club in her last year at Walmart and prior to that she was the senior vice president of supply chain flow for Walmart after joining the company in August 2018.