Wal-Mart Names Coughlin Vice Chairman
CHICAGO - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Friday said it has named Tom Coughlin, who has run its namesake discount stores and its Sam's Club warehouse store division, as vice chairman of the corporation.
The Bentonville, Ark.-based company also promoted Mike Duke to be president and chief executive of the discount stores division.
Coughlin, 53, adds responsibility for logistics, real estate development and global sourcing of merchandise -- all critical categories for Wal-Mart, which boasts one of the most efficient distribution systems in the retail sector.
He retains his role as head of retail operations at U.S. Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters and Sam's Club stores.
Wal-Mart said Duke, also 53, would take on responsibility for operations and merchandising at the Wal-Mart Stores division.
Coughlin, who has spent 25 years working for Wal-Mart, is the latest in a long line of promotions from within. Duke joined Wal-Mart in 1995.
The Bentonville, Ark.-based company also promoted Mike Duke to be president and chief executive of the discount stores division.
Coughlin, 53, adds responsibility for logistics, real estate development and global sourcing of merchandise -- all critical categories for Wal-Mart, which boasts one of the most efficient distribution systems in the retail sector.
He retains his role as head of retail operations at U.S. Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters and Sam's Club stores.
Wal-Mart said Duke, also 53, would take on responsibility for operations and merchandising at the Wal-Mart Stores division.
Coughlin, who has spent 25 years working for Wal-Mart, is the latest in a long line of promotions from within. Duke joined Wal-Mart in 1995.