By Arkansas Black Vitality

Jan. 16, 2026 — Walmart Inc. has announced a major leadership transition, naming Latriece Watkins as the new President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., effective February 1, 2026. This appointment marks a significant moment for both the retail giant and the state of Arkansas, as Watkins—a McGehee native and Arkansas Black Hall of Fame honoree—becomes one of the most influential Black women in American business.

A Trailblazing Career Rooted in Arkansas

Latriece Watkins’s journey is a testament to perseverance, vision, and the power of opportunity. Starting as a law student intern at Walmart in 1997, she has built a distinguished career spanning more than two decades. Watkins has held leadership roles across real estate, Sam’s Club, Walmart U.S. merchandising, human resources, and store operations, bringing a 360-degree perspective to her leadership—always with customers at the center.

Before her current appointment, Watkins served as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Walmart U.S., making her one of the top five executives at the world’s largest retailer. She previously led omni-channel strategies in consumables and over-the-counter merchandising, and established Walmart as a market leader in adult beverages, snacks, and general merchandise. Her strategic initiatives and portfolio transformations have shaped Walmart’s ongoing success.

Recognition and Community Impact

Watkins’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. She has been featured in Essence Magazine, named to FORTUNE Magazine’s “Ones to Watch” list, and profiled in Talk Business & Politics. Her accolades include Forty Under 40, Women in Business, Women to Watch, Mass Market Retailer’s Most Influential Women in Retail, and the inaugural Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Her commitment to service is reflected in her board roles with Live Nation Entertainment, the Thaden School, and the Mercy Health Foundation of Northwest Arkansas, as well as her involvement with the American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, and the Boys and Girls Club.

A Legacy of Leadership and Inspiration

A proud graduate of Spelman College and the University of Arkansas School of Law, Watkins’s leadership journey began early as a cheerleading captain and student council president in McGehee. She credits her success to the strong, nurturing women in her family and lives by the belief that life comes full circle: treat people with respect, because one day you may need to go back to them.

Watkins resides in the Bentonville area with her two children, Alex and Londyn. Her appointment as President and CEO of Sam’s Club is not only a personal achievement but a source of pride for Arkansas and the Black community nationwide—a powerful reminder that talent, hard work, and community roots can propel Arkansans to the highest levels of corporate leadership.

In addition to Watkins’ appointment, and under the direction of incoming President and CEO John Furner, Walmart is making several additional leadership appointments to drive innovation and position the company for the future:

• Seth Dallaire, previously Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Walmart U.S., will become EVP and Chief Growth Officer for Walmart Inc. In this expanded role, Dallaire will oversee global enterprise platforms, including Walmart Connect/digital advertising, Walmart+, Walmart Data Ventures, Vizio, Sam’s Club MAP, and a global Marketplace platform.
• David Guggina, formerly EVP and Chief eCommerce Officer for Walmart U.S., will step into the role of President and CEO of Walmart U.S. Guggina is recognized for building industry-leading delivery capabilities that now serve 95% of U.S. households in under three hours.
• Chris Nicholas, current President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., will succeed Kath McLay as President and CEO of Walmart International. Nicholas brings significant international experience, having lived and worked in more than 10 countries, and has previously served as COO and CFO for Walmart U.S. and CFO for Walmart International.

These changes, effective February 1, 2026, reflect Walmart’s commitment to nurturing internal talent and organizing for a future where technology and customer focus are central to retail success.

Watkins is not the first Black person or Black woman executive to lead a Walmart division. Rosaland Brewer, who began her career at Walmart in 2006, served in several executive-level posts at world’s largest retailer before being named the president and CEO in 2012 of the membership-only warehouse clubs owned and operated by Walmart.

After retiring from that role in 2017, Brewer was nominated to the Starbucks board of directors. In September 2017, she was named COO and group president of the nationwide coffee chain. In that role, she was the second-highest-ranking executive at Starbucks after CEO Kevin Johnson, and the first black and the first woman to become the COO and group president of Starbucks. She led businesses and operations in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

In early 2021, Rosalind Brewer was appointed as the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, becoming the only black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company during that timeframe. Brewer stepped down as CEO of the drug store chain in September 2023, two years before private equity firm Sycamore Partners took the company private.

Besides her executive roles, Brewer was elected to the Amazon board of directors in 2019, becoming the only black member. She has been a non-executive director at Lockheed Martin, Molson Coors Brewing Co., United Airlines, and Ascot Group Limited, a global insurance conglomerate based in the Bermuda.