BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is promoting a number of executives within its U.S. merchandising organization.
The moves, effective on February 1, include the appointment of John Aden as executive vice president of merchandise services.

Walmart is promoting a number of executives within its U.S. merchandising organization.
The moves, effective on February 1, include the appointment of John Aden as executive vice president of merchandise services.

Aden, who has been executive vice president of general merchandise, will now be responsible for replenishment, merchandise execution, small formats and supplier diversity.

With Aden’s move, Walmart is promoting Steve Bratspies executive vice president of general merchandise, with responsibility for entertainment, toys, seasonal, sporting goods, automotive, hardware, paint, stationery, crafts and fabric. Bratspies joined Walmart in 2006 and most recently served as senior vice president of dry grocery.

Laura Phillips is being promoted to senior vice president of entertainment, succeeding Seong Ohm, who has been named senior vice president of merchandising business services at Sam’s Club.

Phillips most recently served as senior vice president for toys, seasonal and celebrations. Taking her place in that post is Scott McCall, who joined Walmart in 1993 and most recently served as senior vice president for health and wellness.

Phillips and McCall will report to Bratspies.

Carmen Bauza is being promoted to senior vice president for ­O-T-C, health and wellness, filling the position that was previously held by McCall. Bauza most recently served the company as vice president of beauty and personal care. In her new post Bauza will report to Walmart health and wellness president John ­Agwunobi.

Ashley Buchanan is being promoted to senior vice president, snacks and beverage, filling the role previously held by Steve Breen, who has accepted a new post as chief merchandising officer of Walmart Brazil.

"As part of these moves, we are taking the opportunity to strategically align our fresh categories," noted Walmart U.S. executive vice president and chief merchandising officer Duncan Mac Naughton in an e-mail to the company’s associates.

Scott Neal is being promoted to senior vice president of produce, meat and seafood, DeDe Priest is assuming the role of senior vice president of deli/bakery/dairy/frozen, and Matt Kistler is being named senior vice president of dry grocery. All three will report to Jack Sinclair, executive vice president of food.

Taylor Smith is being promoted to Kistler’s former post as senior vice president for merchandise execution, filling the role previously held by Kistler.

In the consumables category, Jane Ewing has been named senior vice president of baby, Jody Pinson has been named vice president of beauty, and Philip Freehling has been named vice president of pets.

Walmart’s merchandising team is also creating a new area of responsibility focused on U.S. sourcing and manufacturing. Senior vice president of home Michelle Gloeckler is taking charge of this new area while maintaining her current responsibilities. And Greg Hall has been named vice president for U.S. sourcing and manufacturing, reporting to Gloeckler.

"We’re coming off a strong year and beginning our new fiscal year with accelerating momentum, with every part of our business focused on being even more responsive to our customers," Mac Naughton said. "These moves strengthen our merchant talent and capabilities across the globe, and this is a testament to the strength we have in our ­business."