The move is a potentially a stepping stone towards doning the role of the CEO of the world’s biggest brick and mortar retailer.

As per a source with knowledge of the matter, Judith McKenna, Wal-Mart Stores’ Chief Operating Officer is likely to take up the role of chief executive of its international business.

The development assumes significance since it is seen by many as a stepping stone to the top job with current CEO Doug McMillon and his predecessor Mike Duke having both run the international unit prior to their current role.

David Cheesewright, the current CEO of Walmart’s international unit will continue to be with the retailer and work on the company’s other projects, said the source. The nature of these projects were not immediately disclosed.

Bloomberg had reported earlier that McKenna is likely to take up the new job on February 1, citing sources familiar with the matter.

In the previous year, Wal-Mart’s international business had reported a net sales of $29.55 billion which accounts for nearly a quarter of the company’s total net sales.

Categories: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, HR & Organization, Strategy

Tags: David Cheesewright, Doug McMillon, HRM, human resource management, international business, Judith McKenna, net sales, other projects, Wal-Mart Stores