Diversity & Inclusion

Okay, maybe not president, but if or when Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon leaves the company after being passed over for the top job, it will be Walmart’s loss and the nation’s benefit if he pursues political office or public service.

Walmart’s opponents are a creative lot when it comes to thinking up new ways to vilify the company. The most recent example involves data collection and Walmart’s use of personal information which is designed to feed into the real and imagined concerns American’s have regarding the NSA’s spying on American citizens.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores said Mike Duke will retire as president and CEO, effective Feb. 1, 2014, and will be replaced by veteran company executive Doug McMillon. McMillon, 47, president and CEO of Walmart International, was also named to Wal-Mart’s board, effective immediately.

CVS has named Helena Foulkes as president of CVS/pharmacy, effective Jan. 1. She succeeds Mark Cosby, who is stepping down on Dec. 31.

Cosby has led the company’s retail business since October 2011, including its more than 7,600 retail stores, 19 distribution centers and retail merchandising, supply chain, marketing, real estate, front store and pharmacy operations.

Suffern, N.Y. -- David Jaffe, president and CEO of Ascena Retail Group, has been named the National EY (Ernst & Young) Entrepreneur of the Year Family Business Award of Excellence winner, recognized for building a company with multiple retail brands.

Woonsocket, R.I. - Mark Cosby will step down as president of CVS/pharmacy effective Dec. 31. As retail president, he has led the company since October 2011 with responsibility for all aspects of the company's retail business including its more than 7,600 retail stores, 19 distribution centers and retail merchandising, supply chain, marketing, real estate, front store and pharmacy operations.

Walmart International president and CEO Doug McMillon was given the nod over Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon to succeed Mike Duke as president of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the company announced Monday morning.

McMillon, 47, will join the board effective immediately, and succeed Duke, 63, on February 1, when Walmart’s new fiscal year begins. McMillon’s successor will be named before the end of the fiscal year, according to the company.

Bangalore, India - Tata Starbucks Limited, the 50/50 joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Global Beverages Limited, opens a new India flagship store in Bangalore on Saturday, Nov. 23.

In addition to the flagship store at Koramangala, Tata Starbucks Limited will open two more stores by the end of the year at Phoenix Market City and Orion Mall at Brigade Gateway in Bangalore.