Liu Minxia

    mllmx@msn.com

    THE world’s largest retailer is reshuffling its senior management for international business and its China division will have a new president and CEO in August, as its China market posted a strong sales performance in the first quarter of the year.

    Dirk Van De Berghe, currently president and chief executive of Walmart Canada, will take over leadership of the Walmart China business from Sean Clarke, effective Aug. 22. In addition, Van De Berghe will also serve as regional president for Walmart’s Asia business, including Walmart Japan.

    Clarke, who joined Walmart’s China division in 2011 and became president and CEO of Walmart China in 2014, will return to the U.K. market and Asda, as president and CEO, effective July 11. Clarke, distinguishing himself by leading growth in a critical market for Walmart over the past two years, is one of Walmart’s most experienced executives, with a Walmart career that includes extensive experience abroad including Walmart Japan, Walmart Canada and starting his retail career in the United Kingdom at Asda back in 2001.

    “Actively managing our global business portfolio is a key element of our international strategy, and we must have the right talent in place to lead our businesses through times of change,” said David Cheesewright, president and CEO of Walmart International. “Dirk is well positioned to lead the China and Japan businesses due to his prior roles in Asia and his deep knowledge of the retail business from his time in Europe.”

    At Walmart Canada, Van De Berghe’s depth of experience allowed Walmart to strengthen its growing food business in the market and complement a highly successful general merchandise operation, according to the retailer.

    Walmart’s international business posted strong financial sales performance in the first quarter of the year, with 10 of its 11 international markets posting positive year-on-year sales and nine of those markets growing sales by more than 4 percent from a year ago. The China market saw a 5.1 percent rise in sales in the first quarter, according to the retailer and AC Nielsen data showed Walmart China’s sales of fast moving consumer goods has been growing for 13 consecutive quarters as of March.