Wal-Mart Ups Ante for BricksClicks Strategy with Latest Exec Shift
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- In the latest shuffle in the corporate suite, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said yesterday that the chief of its online operations, Carter Cast, will now lead the U.S. business strategy function for the company, and that Raul Vazquez will replace Cast as president and c.e.o. of Walmart.com, effectively immediately.
Cast's new position gives him a broader role at Wal-Mart, leading the business strategy and strategic planning initiatives for Wal-Mart Stores' U.S. division.
Vazquez will retain oversight of all day-to-day operations at Walmart.com, and will focus on further integration of online and in-store capabilities, as well as expand the site's overall merchandise assortment and product information, the company said.
Cast and Vazquez will both report to Eduardo Castro-Wright, president and c.e.o. of Wal-Mart Stores' U.S. division.
"The new appointments of Carter Cast and Raul Vazquez, and their extensive expertise in the online retail environment, uniquely positions Wal-Mart to build upon our strength and ability to provide a comprehensive, multi-channel experience for our customers," said Castro-Wright in a statement.
In 2000, Cast joined Walmart.com and served in several leadership positions, where he led the company through a rapid period of growth in site traffic and sales, and ultimately led the division to profitability. He became the company's c.e.o. two years ago and secured Walmart.com's position as the No. 3 online retailer in the country.
Vazquez joined Walmart.com in 2002 and most recently served as the company's chief marketing officer responsible for all consumer marketing and customer-facing site functionality. He oversaw the launch of the site's major redesign initiative last year, and managed all marketing and creative functions for the online business.
Walmart.com, headquartered in Brisbane, Calif., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Cast's new position gives him a broader role at Wal-Mart, leading the business strategy and strategic planning initiatives for Wal-Mart Stores' U.S. division.
Vazquez will retain oversight of all day-to-day operations at Walmart.com, and will focus on further integration of online and in-store capabilities, as well as expand the site's overall merchandise assortment and product information, the company said.
Cast and Vazquez will both report to Eduardo Castro-Wright, president and c.e.o. of Wal-Mart Stores' U.S. division.
"The new appointments of Carter Cast and Raul Vazquez, and their extensive expertise in the online retail environment, uniquely positions Wal-Mart to build upon our strength and ability to provide a comprehensive, multi-channel experience for our customers," said Castro-Wright in a statement.
In 2000, Cast joined Walmart.com and served in several leadership positions, where he led the company through a rapid period of growth in site traffic and sales, and ultimately led the division to profitability. He became the company's c.e.o. two years ago and secured Walmart.com's position as the No. 3 online retailer in the country.
Vazquez joined Walmart.com in 2002 and most recently served as the company's chief marketing officer responsible for all consumer marketing and customer-facing site functionality. He oversaw the launch of the site's major redesign initiative last year, and managed all marketing and creative functions for the online business.
Walmart.com, headquartered in Brisbane, Calif., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.