New chief for Walmart U.S. stores

Castro-Wright to oversee global sourcing

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 6/29/2010 10:16:59 AM

Bentonville, Ark. - Walmart has promoted chief operating officer Bill Simon president and ceo of Walmart U.S., effective immediately.

Vice Chairman Eduardo Castro-Wright will become president and ceo of Global.com and Global Sourcing as of Aug. 1. He will also maintain his current title. The appointment will allow him to relocate to California to be with his ailing wife, the company said.

"As we continue to become a truly global company and address the business challenges of a rapidly changing world, it is clear that Global.com and Global Sourcing are critical to our future growth and success," said Walmart president and ceo Mike Duke, to whom both men report.

Simon joined Walmart U.S. in March 2006 from Brinker International, where he was senior vice president of global business development and was responsible for the growth of the company's restaurant portfolio outside the United States. 

Prior to Brinker, he served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Management Services, appointed by then-Governor Jeb Bush. There he oversaw the state's operations and administrative functions, including health care benefits, human resources, the Florida retirement system and facilities management. He is also a retired officer from the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves after 25 years of service.

"Bill transformed the customer experience at Walmart through faster service, a friendlier shopping environment and cleaner stores. He also helped develop and launch our game-changing $4 prescription drug program and has continued to drive innovation and improvement throughout Walmart U.S.," said Duke.