Walmart Canada Names Horacio Barbeito as New CEO
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO - Horacio (Haio) Barbeito has been named President and CEO of Walmart Canada, effective in October, pending work authorization. The news accompanied the announcement that Lee Tappenden, the current President and CEO, will be departing the company at the end of the year. Tappenden has been a part of the Walmart team for 23 years.
“I’m very excited by the opportunity to lead the Walmart Canada team,” said Barbeito, who first began his Walmart career nearly 25 years ago. “We will continue to work to drive the growth and innovation our Canadian customers expect.”
When he first joined Walmart’s team, Barbeito started as a Trainee Buyer. From there he developed his career through various sectors and roles, including replenishment in Argentina and the U.S., supply chain and store operations in Puerto Rico, and many other leadership positions like CEO of Walmart Argentina (2012) and CEO of Walmart Argentina and Chile (2015).
According to a press release, as the incoming CEO of Walmart Canada, he is an example of the career opportunities that can be found at Walmart.
“We’re pleased that Haio’s next role will be leading Walmart Canada, where the team will benefit from his engaging approach and breadth of experience,” said Dirk Van den Berghe, EVP and Regional CEO, Walmart Canada and Asia. “During his time in Argentina and Chile, Haio has led the business to consistently deliver strong performance while at the same time focusing on people through digital talent acquisition, talent development, and diversity and inclusion—resulting in increased engagement across the business.”
Through October, Tappenden will work with Barbieto. Tappenden will then take on a global role on the International Support Team, where he will focus on global sourcing and supplier leverage until his departure on January 31, 2020.
“Lee is a servant leader with a strong connection to associates, customers, and our communities,” continued Van den Berghe. “He drove improvements in both associate engagement scores and customer satisfaction metrics. Lee’s passion for elevating charitable causes, such as Children’s Miracle Network and Walmart’s Fight Hunger.Spark Change campaigns, and his energy will be missed.”
Congratulations to Horacio Barbeito on his new position and to Lee Tappenden on this next step in his career!
