David Cheesewright has been promoted to president and CEO of Walmart International, the company’s second largest operating segment.
Cheesewright, 51, is the current president and CEO of Walmart’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Canada region.
He will report to Doug McMillon, recently named as Mike Duke’s successor as the company’s overall president and CEO.
Both men will start new roles on 1 February 2014. Cheesewright’s successor will be named at a later date.
McMillon said: “David will lead the division at an exciting time. We have strengthened our business and gained market share in the majority of our international markets, and he had a key role in that success.
“He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of innovation and governance. With his deep knowledge of the company, our customers, and our purpose, he is the ideal person to steer our next chapter of continued, long-term growth. David’s passion for sustainability will drive change that will help improve our world.”
Cheesewright said: “I’m honored to be named to lead our international business at a time when our customers around the world need us more than ever.”
He added: “A tremendous opportunity lies ahead for our company. Our success is dependent on our associates, and I’m committed to investing in them. Through strong capital discipline, we will continue to invest in new stores and e-commerce growth, as well as productivity improvements that drive profitable growth and returns.”
Cheesewright’s career spans more than 25 years across the international retail and manufacturing sectors.
He began his Walmart career in 1999 at Asda, the company’s UK operation, where he held leadership positions in operations, merchandising and logistics.
He was the chief operating officer for both Walmart Canada and Asda before becoming CEO of Walmart Canada.
In 2011, he was appointed to his current position, where he oversaw aggressive growth in the UK through the Netto stores acquisition.
In the past, Cheesewright held senior management roles at Mars Confectionery in the UK.
Walmart’s International generates around 30 percent of the company’s revenue, in 26 countries outside the US.
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