Walmart names Judith McKenna COO; Gisel Ruiz appointed EVP of Walmart’s International People Division

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart Stores on Wednesday announced that Judith McKenna has been promoted to COO for Walmart U.S. McKenna succeeds Gisel Ruiz, who has been appointed EVP of Walmart’s International People Division. 

 

McKenna will assume her responsibilities immediately and will continue to report directly to Walmart U.S. president and CEO, Greg Foran. Ruiz will also assume her responsibilities immediately and will report to Walmart International president and CEO, David Cheesewright. 

 

“One of the great things about Walmart is the depth and breadth of talent at all levels of our organization. Around the globe, we have some of the best leaders in retail because of our focus on developing talent and our commitment to creating opportunities for diverse experiences,” Foran said. “The announcements we’re making today are examples of just that.”

 

McKenna joined Walmart nearly 20 years ago as part of its Asda leadership team in the U.K., where she served as the CFO and COO. She moved to Walmart International as EVP of strategy and international development, and most recently served as chief development officer for Walmart U.S.  As COO, McKenna will lead a team of 1.3 million associates. She will also continue to lead Walmart’s small format stores, development of new formats, expansion of Walmart services and the integration of digital commerce into the retailer’s existing U.S. stores.

 

“At her core and by experience, Judith is a retailer who has made major contributions to our business throughout her career,” Foran said. “It’s exciting to bring her skills in managing store operations, small format growth, logistics and e-commerce to an expanded role in our U.S. operations. Her knowledge of global best practices and her success in leading our associates around the world will help drive our Walmart U.S. business forward.”

 

Ruiz started as a management trainee and gained a depth of experience across key roles in labor relations, operations and human resources. Most recently as COO for Walmart U.S., Ruiz led the retailer’s focus on improving operational efficiencies, opened more than 400 new U.S. stores, and increased representation of women and people of color across operations leadership roles. As EVP of Walmart’s International People Division, Ruiz will be a key member of Cheesewright’s leadership team and the retailer’s Global People leadership team. She will also drive Walmart’s human resources strategy and priorities that reach more than one million associates in 26 countries around the world.

 

“Gisel is an inspirational leader who has consistently contributed to Walmart’s growth and success throughout her 22 years with the company. Her proven track record and unwavering commitment to our associates make her the perfect choice for this new role,” Cheesewright said. “The expertise and leadership that Gisel brings are needed as we take our International Division to the next level.”