CANADA - Walmart is once again bolstering its executive leadership team, this time in Canada. The retailer has named AnnMarie Mercer as Chief People Officer, who will join the Canadian Leadership team along with Rob Nicol, Vice President, Communications and Corporate Affairs.

Mercer will now lead human resources with over 100,000 associates, supporting more than 400 stores, distribution centers, and fleet hubs nationwide and a growing e-commerce business. She joined Walmart Canada in 2015 and has been instrumental in charting the retailer’s path forward on strategic initiatives driving the talent agenda, organizational design, and future ways of working.

According to a press release, Mercer is known as a developer of talent, motivating others to strive to their full potential, capitalizing on their unique capabilities, and demonstrating how their actions translate to our ‘bigger picture.’ Her strengths will position Walmart Canada well in the next phase of its transformational journey, ensuring it continues to be associate-centered.

Prior to joining Walmart, Mercer held several senior leadership roles in both human resources and communications leading major corporate and global initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions around the world.

In his role, Nicol oversees environmental social governance, government affairs, corporate events, translation, and internal and external communications. He joined Walmart Canada in 2017 and has led the complete transformation of the Corporate Affairs team, which has strengthened its external reputation as a regenerative business, fostered positive and strategic relationships with government, and helped position the company as a top place to work.

Nicol has extensive expertise and senior corporate affairs experience spanning sectors and government including a leading consulting firm, 407 ETR, and Canadian Tire Corporation. He has also served as Director of Communications to a Premier of Ontario as well as a Prime Minister of Canada, a press release noted.

“This announcement speaks to our bench strength of talent,” said Horacio Barbeito, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walmart Canada. “It’s a very exciting time for Walmart Canada, and through AnnMarie and Rob’s dynamic leadership, I’m confident we will continue to build upon our transformational journey for both our associates and customers.”

Cheers to both of these distinguished leaders!

Walmart