Walmart Inc.’s newly hired US chief merchandising officer is Latriece Watkins. This new position makes her the first woman and the first person of color to occupy it. In her current position, she will be in charge of the teams that select the products sold in more than 4,700 Walmart shops across the United States.
The 48-year-old succeeds Charles Redfield, who retired last month. Watkins began his career at Walmart as an intern in the company’s real estate department. She has worked at Sam’s Club, Walmart U.S. merchandising, human resources, and U.S. retail operations since then.
Her most recent position was executive vice president of merchandising. In her most recent role, she is also credited with increasing revenue through supplier collaborations, more innovation, and improved customer experiences.
Watkins has led various critical positions and strategic initiatives across the firm, according to a statement on Walmart’s website, and she comes into her new post with a 360-degree approach to her leadership, with customers at the heart.
“Those of you who have worked with Latriece know she is a merchant at heart and has a talent and passion for developing future leaders,” Walmart U.S. President and CEO, John Furner, said in the companywide email.
“Her enthusiasm, talent, and deep experience helped establish the omni-merchandising strategy we have today, and her focus on customers and members will only strengthen our position in the future.”