Walmart Names Chief Merchant

Walmart appointed Steve Bratspies to fill the chief merchant spot that had remained empty since the departure of Duncan Mac Naughton a year ago.Effective Oct. 19, Bratspies will oversee all merchandise categories across U.S. stores and will continue to report to Walmart U.S. chief executive officer Greg Foran. Bratspies was part of the team of Walmart merchants reorganized to report directly to Foran after Mac Naughton’s departure last November.In his previous role as executive vice president of food, Bratspies is credited with updating the grocery aisles to improve the retailer’s fresh offerings and expand its private labels while advancing global sourcing capabilities. Prior to that he served as evp of general merchandise. He first joined the company in 2005 in a marketing role, later transitioning to merchandising. Prior to working with Walmart, he served as cmo for Specialty Brands (acquired by B&G Foods last year), and before that was director of marketing at PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay.“Steve is a true leader and an example of the rich talent that exists within the merchandise organization,” said Foran in a media release. “His outstanding merchandising instincts and commitment to innovation and price leadership will challenge the status quo to serve our customers better.”“Going forward, we’ll continue our relentless focus on our customers — we’ll move with speed and conviction to ‘super-serve’ the millions who shop at Walmart,” Bratspies said in the release. “We will stay true to our mission by strengthening our commitment to everyday low prices, optimizing our assortment and winning at omnichannel retailing through strong partnerships with suppliers and a continued investment in our associates.”Charles Redfield, evp of merchandising at sister-chain Sam’s Club, will succeed Bratspies as evp of food for Walmart U.S. Redfield started at Sam’s Club as a cashier in 1988 before moving through several operational and merchandising leadership roles including chief merchandising officer at Asda Stores Limited, Walmart’s U.K. subsidiary.Long-time Sam’s Club merchant John Furner, who most recently served as chief merchandising and marketing officer at Walmart China, will succeed Redfield at the warehouse club chain.Sam's Club also announced a slew of other changes to its merchandising personnel and business strategy last week.

P2PI MEMBERS

JOIN P2PI

You May Also Like

Sam's Club Rolls Out AI Exit Technology

Sam’s Club Launches Sales, Media Performance Dashboard