McKenna joins Foran to drive Walmart’s U.S. growth

The globalization of Walmart’s domestic operations continued this week with the appointment of Judith McKenna to the role of chief operating office for Walmart U.S.

McKenna is a relative newcomer to Walmart U.S. but is no stranger to the company or complex operational responsibilities. She currently serves as chief development officer for Walmart U.S., a curious sounding position Walmart created for McKenna earlier this year to lead the strategy, development and growth of Walmart’s small formats, services and digital integration. However, prior to that role she served briefly as Executive Vice President of Strategy and International Development for Walmart International and as COO and CFO of Walmart’s largest International subsidiary, Asda Stores in the United Kingdom.

Her rapid ascension to the role of COO of Walmart U.S. is part of a larger changeover among Walmart’s senior leadership ranks as Walmart Stores Inc., president and CEO Doug McMillon is infusing the domestic stores division with executives from the international division who bring a fresh perspective.

The most notable example of the strategy was evident this summer when Greg Foran was named as a replacement for former Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon. Foran previously spent three years with Walmart International, including a brief spell as president and CEO of Walmart China, but had never worked in the U.S. prior to being named to his current role.

The arrival of Foran and subsequent promotion of McKenna means the end of Gisel Ruiz’s three year stint as COO of Walmart U.S. She will return to a familiar role in an unfamiliar area as she becomes Executive Vice President of Walmart’s International People Division reporting to Walmart International President and CEO David Cheesewright. Prior to becoming COO of Walmart U.S. in February 2012, she served as Executive Vice President of People for Walmart U.S. and prior to that she held a variety of operational roles of increasing responsibility during a career that began in 1992 as a store management trainee.

“Her proven track record and unwavering commitment to our associates make her the perfect choice for this new role,” Cheesewright said of Ruiz. “The expertise and leadership that Gisel brings are needed as we take our International Division to the next level. I’m looking forward to the impact she’ll have on our associates and business around the world.”

Meanwhile, expectations are high that McKenna will be able to deliver the same type of execution excellence in the U.S. that Asda is known for in the U.K.

“At her core and by experience, Judith is a retailer who has made major contributions to our business throughout her career,” said Foran. “It’s exciting to bring her skills in managing store operations, small format growth, logistics and e-commerce to an expanded role in our U.S. operations. Her knowledge of global best practices and her success in leading our associates around the world will help drive our Walmart U.S. business forward.”