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Zhang Qing, the chief merchandising officer for the Chinese division of a major American retailer, has tendered her resignation. She oversees product procurement and will depart at the end of this month due to personal reasons, the parent company announced yesterday. Neil Maffey, who previously served as Chief Marketing Officer from 2013 to 2017 and has been working as a full-time consultant since then, will temporarily assume the role of acting CMO.
Recently, a senior executive from Walmart China was summoned by the State Administration for Market Regulation over several food safety concerns at the stores. The authority mandated the company to operate in accordance with Chinese laws, uphold food safety standards, practice corporate social responsibility, and address potential safety risks across the supply chain, aiming to protect public health. The regulator did not specify the particular issues or identify the executive involved.
An industry insider with close ties to the company remarked that increasing market competition and imitation of bestselling products by rivals like Costco Wholesale are making it harder to offer unique items to members. Additionally, periodic food safety problems are adding pressure on procurement and product management teams. The supply chain in the membership retail sector is poised for a possible overhaul. As product similarities grow, competition is entering a new phase that emphasizes creating distinctive products, expanding the share of imported goods, and maintaining rigorous food safety standards.
Zhang joined the company in 2017 as vice president and was promoted to senior vice president and chief merchandising officer for the Chinese division in 2018. She played a significant role in enhancing the brand’s system and streamlining supply chain operations within the country.
Furthermore, a leadership change occurred at Walmart China: Liu Peng was appointed chairman on June 15, succeeding Muk Sook Yee. Liu, who previously served as president of the company’s membership division and had an executive role at Alibaba Group, took over the position last October.
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