Report: Wal-Mart rearranges merchandising responsibilities

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores is rearranging how responsibilities are handled by its merchandising executives. According to the Wall Street Journal, an internal company memo indicates that among the changes is a promotion to chief merchandising and marketing officer for Wal-Mart China for Marybeth Hays, currently serving as senior VP of home for Wal-Mart U.S.

Hays will replace John Furner in that role. Furner will return to the U.S. in an unspecified position.

Other merchandising management changes include assigning Hays’ home department duties in the U.S. operations to merchants Scott McCall and Terry Price. Rick Hays, VP of hardware and paint, will become VP of general merchandise for Sam’s Club China. Laura Wilkin, senior VP of replenishment, will become senior VP of flow strategy and systems innovation. Replenishment responsibility will be assigned to Scott Pleiman, senior VP of strategy, pricing, planning and modular development.

Wal-Mart has been working to improve the customer experience and store assortments, as well as its China performance. The company said these moves are not part of a cost-cutting measure.