Duke named new president and ceo of Wal-Mart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores announced that its board of directors has elected Mike Duke to succeed Lee Scott as president and ceo, effective Feb. 1, 2009. Duke was also elected to the company's board of directors, effective immediately. Scott will continue serving as chairman of the executive committee of the board.

Eduardo Castro-Wright, president and ceo of Walmart U.S., will now assume the additional role of vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores, effective immediately. His responsibilities will now include overseeing the company's global procurement operation.

"This management change occurs at a time of strength and momentum for Wal- Mart," said Rob Walton, chairman of the Wal-Mart board of directors. "Our overall management team has never been stronger. We are confident that the strategy we have in place is the right one for future success and Mike has been actively involved in developing and executing this strategy. We are also pleased that our succession and management development process continues to develop leaders internally."

The company indicated that it plans to make an announcement on Duke's successor as president of Wal-Mart International by the end of the fiscal year.