Minneapolis - Bob Willett, head of Best Buy's international operations, will retire at year's end.

No successor is planned for Willett's specific role as CEO of Best Buy International.

In a statement, the company said it has "strong local leaders and teams in every country in which it operates and is confident in their abilities." Best Buy is also "evolving its global growth strategy" and its approach to that business, the chain said.

Best Buy presently has operations in Canada, Europe, China and Mexico, and considers overseas growth a key strategic priority.

Willett, 63, assumed his current post in 2006 and before that served as operations executive VP and chief information officer. He is working with Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn on a smooth transition, the company said.