Reliance Retail poaches Walmart executives for value format

PTI Updated - July 04, 2011 at 02:57 PM.

Reliance Retail is making a top management rejig in its value format and will soon announce appointment of two ex-Walmart executives Mr Rob Cissell and Mr Shawn Gray to lead the operations.

The two expats are expected to take charge from September, according to sources.

While Mr Rob Cissell will join the company as the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shawn Gray will be the Chief Operations Officer of its value format that includes food and grocery stores.

Mr Gwyn Sundhagul, who is currently the CEO of the value format, will move to a new role.

“Gwyn will be a key member of the team, strengthening the foundation for Reliance’s consumer services business,” the source said.

When contacted company officials declined to comment on the development.

Mr Rob Cissell was formerly the Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Walmart China. He was responsible for store operations, merchandising, marketing and supply chain for all retail and Sam’s Club formats in China.

Previously, he has held senior positions in Europe with companies, including Kingfisher plc, Argos, B&Q plc and Comet Group.

Mr Gray, until recently, was the Vice-President of Walmart China where he was responsible for store operations, new formats and lead integration of new business.

He worked with Walmart for over 19 years, having spent nearly 13 years in China where he led the team that opened and integrated over 330 hypermarkets.

Published on July 4, 2011 09:27