|
|
| Ex Woolworths chief to lead Walmart China |
   
Posted Date: 07/02/2012
By Inside Retail
Greg Foran, Woolworths' most experienced executive who was overlooked as a replacement for outgoing CEO Michael Luscombe last year, has landed a strategically important role with the world's largest retailer.
Walmart has announced Foran's appointment as CEO of its China operations, responsible for more than 370 stores in 140 Chinese cities.
Foran had worked in the retail industry for 30 years, last heading it food and liquor business. After years being groomed for the CEO's role he was overlooked at the 11th hour in favour of Grant O'Brien. He resigned in August and in October took up the role of senior vice president of Walmart International.
He will take up his new role in March, one of his first tasks to restore confidence in the Walmart brand after he predecessor was forced to reign over a scandal relating to falsely labelled pork.
Ed Chan resigned in October citing personal reasons shortly after authorities temporarily shut down 13 Walmart stores in the southwestern city of Chongqing found to be selling pork falsely labelled as organic.
Clara Wong, senior vice president of the China operation's human resources division, also resigned.
According to AFP, local authorities detained Walmart staff and ordered the company to pay more than $US420,000 ($A393,000) in fines and other penalties.
The Chongqing government has punished the US retailer at least 21 times for various infringements, including selling food past its expiry date and false advertising, according to Chinese media reports.
In January 2011, several Walmart stores were also fined for deceptive pricing practices.
|
Join the discussion online: Be the first to leave a comment.
Please note: all comments are subject to moderation for legal reasons and to prevent spam. We'll approve your comment as quickly as we can. If you don't see it appear you do not need to repost it.
|
|