Just in time for Black History Month, longtime Walmart executive Latriece Watkins became president and CEO of Sam’s Club on Feb. 1, the company announced.
Watkins, a 28-year company veteran, most recently served as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., a role in which she helped shape assortment strategy and merchandising operations.
In a LinkedIn post after the announcement, Watkins wrote: “Opportunity lives here.” She added, “I’m honored to lead the next chapter by protecting and amplifying our culture … and winning omnichannel retail together.”
Watkins will succeed Chris Nicholas, who is moving from Sam’s Club to become president and CEO of Walmart International as part of a set of leadership changes, according to Walmart.
Watkins joined Walmart in 1997 as an intern and has held leadership roles spanning Sam’s Club, Walmart U.S. merchandising, people and U.S. store operations, the company said.
Her promotion also comes amid persistent gaps in corporate leadership. In the Fortune 500, women make up a small share of CEOs, and Black women make up an even smaller share. As of 2024, only two Fortune 500 companies were led by Black women, Fortune reported.
Watkins earned a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and a law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
Her appointment arrives as some large companies, including Walmart, have faced public debate and pressure over how they describe and structure diversity efforts. In late 2024, Walmart announced it would phase out or change several DEI-related initiatives and language, news outlets reported.
Analysts and business coverage have described Watkins as stepping into the top job at Sam’s Club as the chain competes with rivals such as Costco.
This story originally appeared here.