Wal-Mart Realigns Top Management

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores here on Friday said that John Menzer, vice chairman, will assume the responsibilities of chief administrative officer, and that Eduardo Castro-Wright, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart‘s U.S. operations, would now report directly to Lee Scott, president and CEO of the company. Menzer‘s move will allow him to focus more on global procurement, “and area of increasing strategic importance,” Scott said in a statement. “Additionally, John will focus his time and attention on expanding our growing financial services business to benefit the underserved." Menzer will continue to oversee information systems, benefits, sustainability, compliance and corporate planning, in addition to “providing an ongoing review of more effective and efficient capital expenditures." Having Castro-Wright report directly to Scott “makes sense,” given that he runs the company‘s largest division, Scott said. Castro-Wright previously reported to Menzer.