Wal-Mart Taps Internet Chief to Take Over Marketing, Too
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. yesterday said John Fleming, who currently runs its e-commerce operation, will be named e.v.p. and chief marketing officer for Wal-Mart Stores, effective May 2.
Fleming, 46, will succeed Robert F. Connolly, who last month said he would retire at the end of the calendar year. In the interim, Connolly will remain an active member of the senior management team with responsibility for several strategic, proprietary initiatives, the company said.
Fleming is currently president and c.e.o. of Walmart.com. Wal-Mart said he will retain oversight of the online business, and assume responsibility for all marketing and consumer communications programs, including advertising, consumer research, visual merchandising, signage, point-of-sale programs, and all in-store promotional materials. He will report to Michael T. Duke, president and c.e.o. of the Wal-Mart Stores Division. Fleming will also serve on the company's executive committee.
Since joining Wal-Mart four and a half years ago, Fleming has led the e-commerce business to significant growth, consistently two to three times that of the general online industry, especially as the business has continued to focus on more expanded product and service offerings. During his tenure, Walmart.com initiated key integration activities with Wal-Mart stores, including one-hour photo service, music downloads, gift registry, and online pharmacy.
Before joining Wal-Mart, Fleming served 19 years at Target Corp, where he held various retail and merchandising positions in the department stores division. His final assignment with Target was s.v.p. of merchandising, responsible for the fashion divisions (apparel, shoes, and accessories).
Over the next few months, Fleming will divide his time between Wal-Mart's home office in Bentonville, Ark., and Walmart.com's office in Brisbane, Calif., before relocating fulltime to Northwest Arkansas.
Fleming, 46, will succeed Robert F. Connolly, who last month said he would retire at the end of the calendar year. In the interim, Connolly will remain an active member of the senior management team with responsibility for several strategic, proprietary initiatives, the company said.
Fleming is currently president and c.e.o. of Walmart.com. Wal-Mart said he will retain oversight of the online business, and assume responsibility for all marketing and consumer communications programs, including advertising, consumer research, visual merchandising, signage, point-of-sale programs, and all in-store promotional materials. He will report to Michael T. Duke, president and c.e.o. of the Wal-Mart Stores Division. Fleming will also serve on the company's executive committee.
Since joining Wal-Mart four and a half years ago, Fleming has led the e-commerce business to significant growth, consistently two to three times that of the general online industry, especially as the business has continued to focus on more expanded product and service offerings. During his tenure, Walmart.com initiated key integration activities with Wal-Mart stores, including one-hour photo service, music downloads, gift registry, and online pharmacy.
Before joining Wal-Mart, Fleming served 19 years at Target Corp, where he held various retail and merchandising positions in the department stores division. His final assignment with Target was s.v.p. of merchandising, responsible for the fashion divisions (apparel, shoes, and accessories).
Over the next few months, Fleming will divide his time between Wal-Mart's home office in Bentonville, Ark., and Walmart.com's office in Brisbane, Calif., before relocating fulltime to Northwest Arkansas.