Wal-Mart Makes Leadership Changes in Global Procurement; Experienced Retailer Promoted as Lawrence Jackson Resigns

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lawrence Jackson, President and CEO of Global Procurement, has resigned from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , effective Feb. 9. Jeff Macho has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Global Procurement, effective immediately. Macho is based in Shenzen, China, and will report to Vice Chairman John Menzer. Jackson will continue with the Company until Feb. 9 to help in the leadership transition.

"We have been fortunate to have had the benefit of Lawrence's experience and drive over the past two years," said Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. President and CEO Lee Scott. "He has been passionate about keeping us focused on our customer and has played a big role in moving our business forward during his time here."

Jackson joined Wal-Mart in 2004 from Dollar General Corporation, where he was President and Chief Operating Officer. He has also held a wide variety of positions in Safeway, Inc. and PepsiCo, Inc. He hit the ground running when he came to Wal-Mart, heading up the world's largest private workforce as Executive Vice President of the company's human resources division. In April of last year, he was promoted to President and CEO of Global Procurement, leading the company's efforts for quality products and ethical sourcing in some 60 countries.

"Throughout the past 30 years as I've built my career, my family has been unselfishly supportive," Jackson said. "I now have three teenagers, and have decided to spend more time with them and my wife. I've been at Wal-Mart during a time of almost unparalleled transformation and the company has given me a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow while contributing in key areas," he continued. "I would not trade my experience at Wal-Mart for anything."

Jackson intends to stay active with his business interests through teaching, executive coaching and corporate board work.

Macho has been working in the global procurement field for 13 years. He joined Wal-Mart in 2005 as Vice President and Managing Director of Apparel Merchandising in Global Procurement. He is responsible for managing, developing and implementing strategic initiatives in overall apparel sourcing. He has helped build a whole new organization and direct import process for apparel, resulting in a true global sourcing organization with a local presence in the major markets. This includes taking a leadership role with the supply base, market research, production and quality.

"I look forward to working with Jeff and the new perspective he will bring to Global Procurement," Scott said. "We are fortunate to be able to tap into his talent and the experience he has in both global sourcing and merchandising. Jeff understands what the customer wants, what the customer needs, and what we as a company need to do to deliver that."

Before Wal-Mart, Macho was Vice President and Managing Director for the International Buying Offices for Sears, based in Hong Kong. There he was responsible for all buying and quality assurance offices in 21 locations worldwide. He has also gained extensive experience at other retailers, holding positions ranging from buyer to divisional vice president at retailers including Dayton Hudson, the former May Department Stores and Federated Department Stores.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club locations in the United States. The Company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The Company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartfacts.com . Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com .