Wal-Mart’s U.K., China and Canada units all getting new CEOs

Wal-Mart Stores is undertaking a series of executive changes at its international divisions, starting with a new head for its struggling United Kingdom business, Asda.



Andy Clarke, president and CEO of Asda, will step down on July 11, after having worked at the British company for more than 20 years. Asda has been under heavy competitive pressure and has reported seven straight quarterly sales declines.



“People have been calling for Andy Clarke’s head for a long time,” said Richard Clarke, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, in a Bloomberg report. “As the performance of all of the other U.K. supermarkets has gotten better, Asda’s has gotten worse.”



Clarke will be replaced at Asda by 15-year Wal-Mart veteran Sean Clarke, currently the leader of Wal-Mart’s China unit. He was promoted to the role in 2014 after serving as Walmart China’s COO, responsible for leading merchandising, operations, supply chain and marketing. Clarke (Sean) started his retail career at Asda, in 1996.



Dirk Van De Berghe, CEO of Wal-Mart Canada, will take over leadership of Walmart's China business.



Van De Berghe will also serve as regional president for the chain’s Asia business, including Walmart Japan. The move will allow Scott Price, currently president and CEO – Walmart Asia to focus exclusively on his additional role as chief administrative officer – Walmart International, the company said.