Walmart announces leadership shuffle following CEO retirement

By Dean Blake

Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, announced her retirement last week, after 27 years with the company. 

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said that the business was extremely grateful for her tenure, and that the first time he met McKenna, he was struck by her “combination of intelligence and heart”. 

Following McKenna’s retirement, Sam’s Club CEO Kath McLay will become the new CEO of Walmart International, while chief operating officer of Walmart US Chris Nicholas will take over as CEO of Sam’s Club. 

McLay formerly worked at Australian supermarket chain Woolworths, serving as general manager of a number of divisions, including replenishment, cost focus, and business development, as well as operations manager for logistics. 

“I am looking forward to working with Kath and Chris in their new roles, and am confident they will continue strengthening these businesses while leading with purpose and values,” McMillon said. 

McKenna joined the business almost three decades ago, and worked across several parts of Walmart: from finance, to real estate, M&A, to early omnichannel development.

She will remain with the company until January 31, 2024, and will continue to serve on the boards of Walmex, Flipkart and PhonePe. 

Premier Retail CEO steps down after two years

By Rakshnna Pattabiraman

Premier Retail CEO Richard Murray has announced his resignation, effective September 15, as parent company Premier Investments undertakes a strategic review to explore the possibility of spinning off one or more of its retail businesses. They include Smiggle, Peter Alexander and apparel brands Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Jacqui E and Dotti.

Long-standing company CFO, John Bryce, has been appointed as interim CEO and will continue to fulfil both CEO and CFO responsibilities.

Chairman of Premier Investments, Solomon Lew, thanked Murray on behalf of the board and said the company accepts and understands his decision to step down. Murray has also resigned as executive director of Premier.

“At this time, it is business as usual. The Premier Board is focused on moving forward with its formal review as announced today, under the strong leadership of Bryce and the senior management team, whilst continuing to focus on the first-rate retail execution that Premier is known for,” Lew said.

Happy Socks names new CEO

By Dean Blake

Cult sock brand Happy Socks has named Alexander Meyer as its new CEO, following a brand refresh. 

Meyer formerly served as Canadian online retailer The Bay’s chief customer officer, as well as chief marketing officer at The Iconic.

The brand’s chairman, Christian Beck, welcomed Meyer to the business and added that his impressive track record made him the ideal candidate. 

“I am really looking forward to working with him and am confident his experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue our growth journey,” Beck said. 

The business recently launched a refresh of its branding, including a new logo, website design, updated product styling, and updating in-store presentation. 

“This iconic brand has always been at the forefront of fashion innovation, and I am excited to lead the talented team as we continue to spread happiness, creativity, and freedom of self-expression to every corner of the world,” Meyer said of his appointment. 

VF Corp names new president, CEO, CPO and chair

By Irene Dong

Dickies, Timberland, and Vans parent VF Corporation has appointed Bracken Darrell as president and CEO.

Darrell joined VF on July 17th, after serving as president and CEO of Logitech International since 2013.

Benno Dorer, who has been VF’s Interim President and CEO since December 5, will continue to serve on the board, a role he has had since 2017.

Richard Carucci, a VF board member since 2009 and interim chair during the organisation’s recent leadership change, has been named chair, while Brent Hyder, formerly of Salesforce, has been appointed chief people officer.

“Darrell’s broad executive management and deep international experience make him uniquely suited to partner with and guide VF’s executive team and 35,000 talented associates around the world to fuel an exciting new future for the company,” said Carucci. 

“We are highly confident that under Bracken’s leadership, VF will achieve new levels of success that will make its associates, investors, and stakeholders proud.”

Darrell was credited with turning around Logitech’s business by expanding into new categories, increasing market share, introducing new and innovative products, and elevating design as a pillar of the organisation’s strategy, during his time working as president and CEO.

Prior to Logitech, Darrell held positions at General Electric, Whirlpool Corporation, and Procter & Gamble. He also served as global president of the Braun brand for Procter & Gamble. 

Pottery Barn promotes new president

By Dean Blake

Williams-Sonoma Inc, which owns the Pottery Barn, West Elm, Rejuvenation and Williams-Sonoma furniture and homeware businesses, has named Monica Bhargava as president of its Pottery Barn brand. 

Bhargava currently serves as William-Sonoma’s chief design officer.

Williams-Sonoma’s president and CEO Laura Alber said Bhargava’s ability to pair exceptional taste and creative vision with a commercially minded approach to product development has led to the brand’s success.

“Her designs have contributed materially to brand growth initiatives, particularly in furniture, outdoor and within the PB Apartment/small spaces collections,” Alber said. 

“Her passion for design and ability to create products that enhance our customers’ lives at home is unmatched.”