Bentonville, Ark. – Walmart COO Bill
Simon has succeeded Eduardo Castro-Wright as president/CEO of Walmart’s U.S.
business.
The change, effective immediately,
comes amid continuing comp-store sales declines at Walmart’s U.S. locations.
Castro-Wright, who held the post
since 2005, will continue as vice chairman and has assumed new responsibilities
as head of global e-commerce and sourcing.
He and Simon will report directly to
Walmart president/CEO Mike Duke.
In a statement, Duke said the global initiatives is critical to the retailer’s future growth and success as it
continues to become a worldwide enterprise. He added that the new assignment
will also allow Castro-Wright to relocate to California, where his wife is recuperating from surgery.
Simon joined Walmart 2006 from
Brinker International, where was responsible for the growth of the company’s offshore
restaurant portfolio. Before that he served as secretary of the Florida
Department of Management Services, appointed by then-Governor Jeb Bush.
As COO of Walmart U.S., Simon
launched the company’s $4 prescription drug program and spearheaded
improvements in the shopping experience, including faster check-out times and
cleaner stores.
