Walmart Makes Two Chief Officer Appointments
.jpg?itok=RPO0xV6w)
Walmart has appointed Scott McCall its new chief merchandising officer and Dacona Smith, COO of Sam’s Club, will take over as chief operating officer of Walmart U.S., according to an internal company memo cited in reports.
McCall is replacing the current CMO, Steve Bratspies, who is leaving the company, the memo said. Bratspies joined Walmart in 2005 as VP of category marketing and rose to SVP of marketing in 2007, according to Walmart’s website. He held a variety of merchandise roles, overseeing Walmart’s food business, including responsibility for private brands and global food sourcing. He also has held merchandising roles responsible for the dry grocery and general merchandise businesses.
McCall, who will become EVP and CMO, Walmart U.S., on February 1st, began his career with Walmart as an hourly management trainee over 25 years ago. He later moved to Bentonville, AK, in an operational role for Walmart before becoming a merchandise buyer. He has come up through a series of merchandising roles that have included time as a buyer in lawn and garden, vice president in hardware and toys, and senior vice president in consumables, health and wellness, and home. Prior to his current position, he most recently served as senior vice president for entertainment, toys and seasonal where he led all merchandising activities for toys, seasonal, celebrations, media and gaming, consumer electronics, wireless and photo.
Dacona Smith is currently the EVP and COO for Sam’s Club, responsible for the operations of nearly 600 stores. Dacona started as an hourly associate almost 28 years ago, eventually becoming responsible for the operations of 967 Supercenters and more than 300,000 associates in 22 states. While leading Walmart’s West Division, his leadership drove consistent sales growth, generated increased profits, successfully implemented new technologies and processes, while consistently managing and developing strong talent.