Wal-Mart has announced that Lee Tappenden will lead its Canadian business, effective August 15 of this year. Tappenden is taking over the helm for Dirk Van De Berghe, who will now head the company’s operations in China.
Tappenden is a 20-year Wal-Mart veteran, working in various positions globally during his time with the company. Currently, he is the COO of the company’s Canadian division.
This announcement comes at a time when the retailer has been expanding its presence in Canada: now, it boasts more than 400 stores across the country. Additionally, Tappenden is taking over Canadian operations as Wal-Mart has cut ties with Visa Inc. over what it says are exorbitantly “high fees.”
“Lee is extremely well poised to lead Walmart Canada and continue the momentum of growth we are seeing in this market,” says David Cheesewright, chief executive of Walmart International.
