The food industry has seen its fair share of shakeups over the last few months thanks in large part to Amazon’s $13.7-billion Whole Foods purchase. Fast on the heels of the eCommerce giant is the rest of the food industry, including superstore Walmart.
Big things are coming for Walmart as it just announced a few changes in its food leadership team on an internal memo circulated to its teams from its executive vice president for food in the U.S., Charles Redfield. Walmart is looking to make the changes to stay on its toes in the evolving food retail landscape.
Shawn Baldwin, who had served as Walmart’s senior vice president and general merchandise manager for produce and global food sourcing, is moving into a role in which he will focus specifically on an undisclosed new initiative for the company’s Hispanic customers. Stepping into Baldwin’s now former role is Martin Mundo. Greg Hall has been named senior vice president of Walmart’s merchandise operation for food.
Other key changes to the Walmart team include Kerry Robinson taking on the bakery side and Tyler Lehr moving in to head the company’s deli services. Deanah Baker is being brought on as the lead of apparel, shoes and accessories, and Scott McCall is heading up entertainment, toys and seasonal products as merchandise manager. Jeff Evans will now be Walmart’s general merchandise manager for home products.
The food industry is most certainly in a transitional period, but these changes to Walmart’s lineup will probably help maintain its position as a key competitor. Following on the heels of food delivery becoming popular, there’s a possibility that this may be a space that the food retailer moves into down the line.
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