WMT Walmart Inc

By Sarah Nassauer 

Walmart Inc. chief merchant Steve Bratspies is leaving the company as the country's largest retailer shakes up its executive ranks following the crucial holiday season.

Mr. Bratspies has been the company's chief merchandising officer for more than four years, a key role that oversees product selection and pricing in its U.S. stores, according to people familiar with the matter and an internal memo to staff.

He will be replaced by Scott McCall, another company veteran, who recently has overseen the company's U.S. entertainment and toys business, according to the people and memo.

The retailer also named Dacona Smith as chief operating officer for the Walmart U.S. unit, according to the memo, filling a role that had been vacant since the former COO Judith McKenna became head of Walmart's international division in 2018. Mr. Smith has worked for Walmart for 30 year, the memo said, most recently as COO of the company's Sam's Club chain.

Write to Sarah Nassauer at sarah.nassauer@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 17, 2020 11:31 ET (16:31 GMT)

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