Wal-Mart taps former CBS web exec as head of global e-commerce

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores announced that Neil Ashe, 44, is the new president and CEO of the company's global e-commerce business, effective Jan. 16.



Ashe was most recently president of CBS Interactive, where he led all online properties and also drove development of new ways to distribute programming produced by the media giant and its subsidiaries.



Ashe is replacing Eduardo Castro-Wright, who announced his retirement in September and will assist in the transition.



"E-commerce is a great opportunity for us and we have a long-term vision to win," said Mike Duke, Walmart's president and CEO. "We are on track to create the next generation of e-commerce, combining the latest in online innovations with physical stores to give our customers a unique and seamless shopping experience."



Duke described Ashe as the “ideal leader” to help the chain build its online business.



“He has led companies through all stages of growth and maturity,” Duke said. “He also has a deep understanding of the interactive space and how to attract and convert online customers. Perhaps most importantly, much of Neil's professional success has come through close collaboration and shared goals with his peers – a key attribute as we continue to integrate our online businesses across the company and with our physical stores."