Walmart names American Express exec to head up Walmart+

Chris Cracchiolo, a 19-year veteran executive from American Express, will take over leadership of the Walmart+ membership program effective July 12. He will replace David Echegoyen, who is departing the company, according to an internal memo shared with Talk Business & Politics by Walmart.

Janey Whiteside, chief customer officer at Walmart, said Cracchiolo will begin at a senior vice president officer ranking as the general manager for Walmart and will report to Whiteside.

While at American Express, Cracchiolo most recently served as senior vice president of global rewards and lifestyle benefits. There he had the responsibility for creation, management, and delivery of rewards and benefits for consumer and commercial AmEx customers globally, including membership rewards, the largest global customer loyalty program. He also held leadership positions across partnerships and acquisitions, emerging payments and services and business development, the memo states.

“Walmart+ is an important part of our business and I can’t wait to see how Chris and the team find new ways to deliver for our customers. He is an incredible leaders of high-performing teams. He’s’ strategic and drive to create compelling benefits for customers,” Whiteside said.

Whiteside worked with Cracchiolo during her 20 years at American Express before she joined Walmart in 2018. The two execs each worked on marketing and consumer engagement strategies while at American Express.