Retail giant Walmart is undergoing a significant leadership shake-up, with its U.S. chief operating officer, Kieran Shanahan, set to leave the company. An internal memo, obtained by Reuters on Friday, revealed that Kyle Kinnard — currently serving as COO of Walmart’s international division — has been tapped to take over the role.
Kinnard brings more than 25 years of experience with Walmart to his new position, having held a variety of senior-level roles throughout his tenure. Among those positions was executive vice president of health and wellness for Walmart’s U.S. operations, according to the memo.
Shanahan’s departure is not the first high-profile exit in recent months. Tom Ward, who served as COO of the warehouse chain Sam’s Club, and Cedric Clark, who led U.S. store operations, both left the company in May. Around that same time, David Guggina and Chris Nicholas were appointed as CEOs of Walmart’s domestic and international operations, respectively.
Friday’s announcement also included a promotion for Juan Galarraga, who will now oversee Walmart’s international business operations in Latin America.
The leadership changes come as CEO John Furner pushes a technology-driven strategy designed to grow Walmart’s marketplace and delivery services while also drawing in higher-income customers. The company eliminated roughly 1,000 positions in May as part of that broader effort.
Walmart has also been navigating a cautious consumer spending environment. The retailer stuck to conservative annual sales and profit projections in May, and earlier this month announced plans to lower prices on a range of summer cookout staples, including meat, chips, and soda.
