The Black excellence just jumps out!

Walmart announced a major executive reshuffle this month, elevating long-time merchandising executive Latriece Watkins to president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., effective Feb. 1. 

Watkins began her career at Walmart as an intern in 1997 and most recently served as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S. She will lead the membership-club business as part of a broader leadership reorganization. 

Walmart said the changes are part of a push to accelerate innovation and reorganize around digital and platform capabilities under incoming CEO John Furner. In announcing the moves, Furner said the new slate of internal promotions reflects the company’s “people-led, tech-powered” strategy and the depth of its leadership bench after three decades of talent development. Watkins’ promotion follows 32 years with the company and positions her at the helm of one of America’s largest membership retailers. 

There is a major significance of Watkins’ appointment for representation in retail C-suites. Black women remain underrepresented at the highest levels of large retail corporations, and Watkins’ elevation to a CEO role marks a visible step for diversity in an industry where executive turnover has been brisk. Watkins has a track record of reshaping assortment strategy and growing private-label businesses within Walmart, and executives said these credentials make her well-suited to compete with rivals like Costco. 

Watkins’ new role takes effect on Feb. 1, and the leadership shift also includes a set of complementary promotions across Walmart U.S. that the company says will position the business to move faster on e-commerce, membership products, and technology-driven merchandising. 

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