On July 31, Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE:$WMT) announced to the public that it will be making changes to its food leadership team as it prepares for an increase in competition with grocery rivals and remains in the middle of a price war.
Charles Redfield, who is the executive VP for food at Wal-Mart U.S., revealed the changes to employees on July 28 in a memo. He added that Wal-Mart is working on re-positioning leaders in new roles so it can deliver and win at a time when the retail sector is constantly fluctuating.
These changes are significant, as they come at a time when Wal-Mart has been conducting price tests across several U.S. states and beseeching vendors to undercut competitors.
In addition, according to the Friday memo, the company will be dividing leadership in its bakery and deli departments. Kerry Robinson will be in charge of the bakery business, however, she will no longer be responsible for the deli business, as that responsibility will go to Tyler Lehr.
Furthermore, Wal-Mart disclosed leadership changes in its merchandising operations. If all goes as planned, Deanah Baker will be in charge of apparel, shoes, and accessories, while Scott McCall will be responsible for the entertainment, toys, and season product categories as general merchandise manager. Last but not least, Jeff Evans will be in charge of the home category.
Among several moves in the merchandising team, it was announced that Greg Hall will be the senior VP of merchandise operation for food.
At midday on Monday, Wal-Mart shares were up 0.4% at $80.16.
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