David Cheesewright to lead Walmart International
Former Asda executive David Cheesewright has been appointed as the new president and chief executive officer of Walmart International.
Currently president and chief executive of Walmart’s EMEA and Canada region, Cheesewright will report to Doug McMillon who is succeeding Mike Duke as Walmart’s president and chief executive. Both Cheesewright and McMillon will take up their new roles on 1 February 2014.
“David will lead the division at an exciting time,” said McMillon. “We have strengthened our business and gained market share in the majority of our international markets, and he had a key role in that success. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of innovation and governance. With his deep knowledge of the company, our customers, and our purpose, he is the ideal person to steer our next chapter of continued, long-term growth. David’s passion for sustainability will drive change that will help improve our world.”
Cheesewright’s Walmart career began in 1999 at Asda where he held leadership positions in operations, merchandising, logistics, strategy and format development. He was the chief operating officer for both Walmart Canada and Asda before being named as chief executive of Walmart Canada. In 2011, he took on his current role of president and chief executive of Walmart’s EMEA and Canada region where he oversaw the integration of the Massmart acquisition in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Netto stores acquisition in the UK.
Cheesewright said: “A tremendous opportunity lies ahead for our company. Our success is dependent on our associates, and I’m committed to investing in them. Together, we will find innovative and sustainable ways to serve our customers and provide them with the quality, affordable products they expect from us.
“Through strong capital discipline, we will continue to invest in new stores and e-commerce growth, as well as productivity improvements that drive profitable growth and returns.”
Walmart said that Cheesewright’s successor would be named “at a later date”.
