Wal-Mart Names New Head of Asia Operation

Wal-Mart Stores here said it has named Vicente Trius as executive vice president, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Asia — a new position that oversees 394 stores in Japan and 203 in China, plus a joint venture in India that is scheduled to open its first store late in 2008.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores here said it has named Vicente Trius as executive vice president, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Asia — a new position that oversees 394 stores in Japan and 203 in China, plus a joint venture in India that is scheduled to open its first store late in 2008. Trius joined Wal-Mart in 1996 as vice president, operations, in the international division, and in 1997 he was named president and CEO of Wal-Mart Brazil. Succeeding him in that position will be Hector Nunez, formerly executive vice president and chief operating officer of Wal-Mart Brazil. According to Michael Duke, vice chairman, Wal-Mart Stores, "Asia is one of the most dynamic retail markets in the world, and having Vicente based in the region will bring focus to our Asia business.” The appointments are effective Feb. 1.