Walmart Announces Senior Management Changes

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced Wednesday that Judith McKenna has been promoted to chief operating officer for Walmart U.S., taking the place of Gisel Ruiz, who has been appointed executive vice president of Walmart’s International People Division, both effective immediately.

According to a press release, McKenna in her new role will lead a team of 1.3 million associates and report directly to Greg Foran, Walmart U.S. president and CEO.

 “At her core and by experience, Judith is a retailer who has made major contributions to our business throughout her career,” Foran said in the press release. “It’s exciting to bring her skills in managing store operations, small format growth, logistics and e-commerce to an expanded role in our U.S. operations. Her knowledge of global best practices and her success in leading our associates around the world will help drive our Walmart U.S. business forward.”

Ruiz will drive the retailer’s human resources strategy and priorities and report to Walmart International president and CEO, David Cheesewright, according to the press release.

“Gisel [Ruiz] is an inspirational leader who has consistently contributed to Walmart’s growth and success throughout her 22 years with the company,” Cheesewright said. “The expertise and leadership that Gisel brings are needed as we take our International Division to the next level. I’m looking forward to the impact she’ll have on our associates and business around the world.”