Walmart opens Latin America division HQ in South Florida

MIAMI Walmart announced that it has opened new headquarters in South Florida for its Latin America regional operations and also introduced the new regional president and chief executive officer, Eduardo Solorzano.

"We're very enthused about having our new Latin America regional headquarters here in Miami, which some describe as a gateway to Latin America," Solorzano said, speaking to reporters at his first press conference in his new role. "The opening of this new regional office reflects a renewed level of service and support Walmart Latinoamerica is ready to provide, to our markets, to our associates, to our stores, and to the people in countries throughout Latin America, whether we have stores in those countries yet or not."

Solorzano assumed his new role Jan. 18, having led Wal-Mart de Mexico since early 2005, where he oversaw dramatic expansion of the business in terms of units, associates, sales and share value. With that company's recent acquisition of Walmart's operations in Central America, he was been instrumental in expanding the company beyond Mexico. In addition, Solorzano was responsible for the conception and creation of Banco Walmart, the world's first Walmart bank, and the development of successful new formats such as Bodega Aurrera Express.