Wal-Mart Stores has decided to restucture its global e-commerce operations in the wake of the departure of two senior executives.
Raul Vazquez, who leads Wal-Mart’s e-commerce divisions in its “developed markets”, and Steve Nave, who heads walmart.com in the US, have decided to leave the company.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Their departures come over 18 months after Wal-Mart set up a dedicated online division, Global.com, to drive its expansion online.
Since then, Wal-Mart has acquired Kosmix, a company that analyses social media, and bought a minority stake in Chinese online retailer Yihaodian.
In a memo sent to employees on Friday (12 August), Wal-Mart said after the departures of Vazquez and Nave and the the first year of its e-commerce unit, it had decided to “adjust” its online division.
In Wal-Mart’s developed markets – the US, Canada, the UK and Japan – the heads of the retailer’s local e-commerce operations would report to the store organisations in the country.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“In these markets, our brands, as well as our bricks-and-mortar presence, is well-established, and our customer is demanding continuity between both channels – a seamless experience as she shops in her store and online – comparing prices, assortment and availability,” the memo read.
In China, Latin America and India, Wal-Mart’s global e-commerce unit will continue to run the local online operations.
“We have a tremendous opportunity and latitude to lead the way in creating a new retail experience for our customers in these markets because our brand and physical presence are still in their early growth stages,” Wal-Mart said.
The retailer, meanwhile, said Joel Anderson, senior vice president for its stores in the Northern Plains region in the US, will become president of walmart.com – US.
