by Sylvia Perry
Just in time for Black History Month, Latriece Watkins, a longtime Walmart executive, has been named president and chief executive officer of Sam’s Club, effective Feb. 1, in a leadership reshuffle announced by Walmart’s board. The promotion places Watkins, a 28-year veteran of the company, at the helm of one of the nation’s biggest membership retail chains.
Watkins most recently served as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., where she oversaw the company’s merchandising strategy, managing choices for roughly $500 billion in goods sold annually. She joined Walmart in 1997 as a real estate intern and has since held roles across merchandising, store operations and human resources, building a deep understanding of the company’s business.
“Opportunity lives here,” Watkins said in a LinkedIn post shared after the announcement. “I’m honored to lead the next chapter by protecting and amplifying our culture… and winning omnichannel retail together.”
Watkins’ rise also marks a notable moment for representation in corporate America. Black women remain significantly underrepresented in CEO roles among Fortune 500 and major retail companies, and her appointment reflects both her operational experience and Walmart’s talent development over decades.
Her educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Spelman College, an historically Black college, followed by a law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law — credentials that complement her retail expertise.
Watkins takes the reins at a time when corporate diversity, equity and inclusion programs — once widespread — are facing pushback nationally. Some firms, including Walmart, have scaled back formal DEI initiatives and titles, even as they stress inclusivity in other ways. Critics argue that traditional DEI efforts are no longer politically sustainable in today’s polarized climate, while supporters say diverse representation and inclusive workplaces are essential for innovation and competitiveness.
At Walmart and Sam’s Club, executives have emphasized serving a broad customer base and fostering open workplaces, even as formal DEI programs evolve. Sam’s Club’s former CEO has said that “serving all of America” is the essence of inclusiveness, noting a focus on openness and connection in the workplace.
Watkins’ appointment underscores how experienced leaders can rise through internal ranks without necessarily being tied to specific DEI programming. Her promotion is likely to resonate with advocates for women’s leadership and diversity in business — particularly at a time when some corporate diversity initiatives have been politically contested.
Analysts say Watkins’ experience navigating Walmart’s vast merchandising operations and her strategic insight position her well to lead Sam’s Club in a competitive retail landscape that includes rivals like Costco and Amazon.
Her leadership may also signal to young women and professionals from historically underrepresented groups that executive opportunities at the highest levels remain attainable, even as the debate over DEI language and programs continues.