Pilozzi to retire as head of Wal-Mart Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON Wal-Mart Canada president and ceo Mario Pilozzi is retiring from the company effective Jan. 31, the company announced today. Pilozzi had been serving in his current position for seven years and his been with the company for 45 years.

Pilozzi joined Wal-Mart Canada in 1994 following more than 30 years with Woolworth Canada where he held a range of leadership positions with that company's variety and discount-store divisions.

"Mario's contributions to Wal-Mart and to the retail industry have been immeasurable," said Mike Duke, vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores. "Under his leadership Wal-Mart Canada has scaled new heights in terms of expansion, growth of the associate base, and corporate social responsibility. Among his many achievements Mario has championed Wal-Mart's groundbreaking environmental sustainability program in Canada."

Pilozzi will be succeeded by David Cheesewright who will join Wal-Mart Canada as president and ceo effective Feb. 1, 2008. Cheesewright is currently coo of ASDA, Wal-Mart's operation in the United Kingdom. His career spans more than 20 years in the retail and manufacturing sectors. He joined ASDA in 1999 and over the past eight years held leadership positions in operations, merchandising, logistics, strategy, and format development.