Table of Contents
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has recast its merchandising team following the departure of Duncan Mac Naughton.
Mac Naughton, who had been chief merchandising officer, left the company to pursue new opportunities.
“Duncan’s departure has allowed me to relook at our merchandising structure and the incredible talent within the team,” Greg Foran, chief executive officer of Walmart U.S., wrote in a company memo last month.
Foran said he had decided against naming a new chief merchant “at this time.”
He announced that Steve Bratspies will transition from executive vice president of general merchandise to executive vice president of food, with a strong focus on fresh food. Jack Sinclair will help with changes to the food business before taking another role at Walmart, to be announced at a later date.
Andy Barron will retain his role as executive VP of soft lines — with added responsibility for general merchandise.
Michelle Gloeckler will remain executive VP of consumables and U.S. manufacturing. Labeed Diab, a senior vice president and president of health and wellness, will to report along with his team to Gloeckler.
John Aden will remain executive VP of sales innovation, and Scott Huff will remain executive VP of merchandising operations.
“Through Duncan’s leadership, we have focused on developing our merchants while also driving stronger collaboration between marketing and merchandising,” said Foran. “This has made us more relevant to and focused on our customers. I also think it’s important to recognize Duncan for his leadership in reengaging with our suppliers to develop joint business plans. This work is resulting in better and more localized assortment in our stores.
“In partnership with the operations team, Duncan has driven customer-centric innovations that we will build from to move forward. He’s always been, and I’m sure always will be, an advocate for our customers and our stores. We’ll miss his creativity and energy.”
Mac Naughton joined the company in 2009 as chief merchandising officer for Walmart Canada. In October 2010 he was named executive vice president of merchandising for Walmart U.S., where he was responsible for consumables, health and wellness, and Walmart.com. He became chief merchandising officer for U.S. stores in January 2011.
Before joining Walmart, Mac Naughton held leadership roles at Kraft Foods Inc., H-E-B and Albertson’s Inc. He also served as executive VP of merchandising and marketing at Supervalu Inc.
