New Wal-Mart China Chief Named
Ed Chan to Take Reins From Company Veteran Joe Hatfield
By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/30/2006
Bentonville, Ark. — Ed Chan will succeed Joe Hatfield as head of Wal-Mart's China retail business. Wal-Mart China now operates 66 retail units in 34 cities employing 36,000 associates.Chan, who will be president and ceo of Wal-Mart China, comes to the company from the Dairy Farm Group, where he was most recently regional director of North Asia. He will join Wal-Mart next month and will take over leadership of the China retail operations in February. "Ed brings extensive retail experience that will help us expand our growth momentum in this important market," said Michael Duke, vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores.
"We appreciate all that Joe has accomplished during the 12 years he has led our retail business in China. He has created a strong foundation for Wal-Mart China and will remain engaged in a senior advisory position," added Duke.
Hatfield is a 32-year company veteran and opened Wal-Mart China's first supercenter in August 1996 in Shenzhen. The company said the details of his post following next February's transition remain to be worked out.
