Delta Sigma Theta Soror Latriece Watkins Named President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S.

Walmart Inc. has announced a series of leadership changes that signal a new chapter for the retail giant, including the appointment of Latriece Watkins as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sam’s Club U.S. Watkins, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will assume the role effective February 1, 2026, following her tenure as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Walmart U.S.

The announcement was made as part of a broader restructuring of Walmart’s Executive Council, unveiled by incoming Walmart Inc. President and CEO John Furner, who emphasized the company’s commitment to internal leadership development as it prepares for the future of retail.

“Over my 32 years with Walmart, I’ve seen that our people are our greatest competitive advantage,” Furner said. “These internal promotions reflect our culture of opportunity and the depth of our leadership bench. As AI rapidly reshapes retail, we are centralizing our platforms to accelerate shared capabilities, freeing up our operating segments to be more focused on and closer to our customers and members.”

Watkins’ appointment reflects that philosophy. She began her career with Walmart as an intern in 1997 and has since risen through the ranks, holding leadership roles across Sam’s Club, Walmart U.S. merchandising, People, and U.S. store operations. During her time as Chief Merchandising Officer, she played a central role in reshaping Walmart U.S.’s assortment strategy, strengthening operational excellence, and delivering a more consistent and trusted shopping experience for customers nationwide.

In a statement shared publicly, Watkins reflected on her journey and the culture that shaped her rise.

“Serving Walmart U.S. as Chief Merchant has been one of the greatest opportunities of my career,” she wrote. “What I love about Walmart is simple—it’s a place where people matter and opportunity lives. There’s undeniable momentum here, and I’m honored to lead the next chapter by protecting and amplifying our culture, fully leveraging the power of our company, and winning omnichannel retail together and with intention.”

As she steps into leadership at Sam’s Club U.S., Watkins will oversee a brand known for its focus on value, quality, and member experience. She emphasized the pride associates take in serving members and the importance of teams showing up for one another as key elements of the company’s momentum.

Watkins is a Spelman College alumna, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government in 1996, before going on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law. Spelman College publicly celebrated her appointment, highlighting her rise from intern to CEO and her impact across Walmart’s merchandising, people, and operational strategies.

Beyond her corporate leadership, Watkins is deeply engaged in service and community work. She has served on the Boards of Directors for Thaden School in Bentonville, Arkansas, and The Mercy Health Foundation of Northwest Arkansas, and has worked closely with organizations including the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, and the Ozark Natural Science Center.

With her move into the CEO role, Latriece Watkins now leads one of the nation’s most influential membership-based retail brands, bringing with her nearly three decades of institutional knowledge, a service-centered leadership philosophy, and a legacy rooted in Spelman College and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.