Walmart has announced Sam's Club CEO Brian Cornell decided step down from his role due to family reasons, paving the way for several promotions across the company.

In a release, Walmart CEO Mike Duke said Cornell had done a terrific job at Sam's Club.

Brian Cornell

"He is a strong, high-energy leader who has delivered great results and leaves behind a business with outstanding momentum," said Duke.

"In addition to building a talented, high-functioning team to run that business, he has also developed other leaders who now hold senior positions around the globe."

Cornell has appreciated his time at the company but said the time had come to put family first.

"Being part of the Sam's Club family has been a wonderful personal and professional experience, one that I will always value," he said.

"I have felt at home here and have a strong connection to the associates, the company and its values and mission. However, after 30 years of asking my family to follow me all around the globe, it is time to put them first.

"My wife and I want to put down roots in the Northeast and live in the same ZIP code as our children – not just occasionally seeing them in hotels and restaurants."

New blood

Walmart U.S. east business unit president Rosalind Brewer will be the new Sam's Club president as of Feb. 1. The company release highlighted Brewer was responsible for US$$100 billion in annual revenue under her previous role, representing 1,600 stores and more than 500,000 associates.

Brewer was also the first chairperson of the Walmart President's Council of Global Women Leaders.

"Roz came to us with an outstanding background in consumer packaged goods more than five years ago," says Duke.

"During that time I have seen her develop into a talented merchant and retailer.  She has strong strategic, analytical and operational skills and has successfully managed a large and complex business.

"I've also been struck by Roz's servant leadership when I have visited stores with her. She always lets her team do the talking, with her focus being on how to better support their needs."

Other Walmart promotions that will be effective as of Feb. 1 include Rollin Ford as chief administrative officer (CAO), Gisel Ruiz as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Walmart and Karenann Terrell as chief information officer..

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