Walmart Canada has named Gonzalo Gebara as its new President and CEO, effective January 30, 2023, pending work authorization.
“Gonzalo is an experienced retail leader with extensive knowledge across the industry and our business. Under his leadership, he led the transformation of the business in Chile, strengthening our omnichannel capabilities and developing an ecosystem of services for our Chilian customers,” said Judith McKenna, President and CEO, Walmart International, in a statement.
“Gonzalo is ideally suited to lead Walmart Canada as it continues its journey to help even more Canadian families save money and live better.”
Gebara joined Walmart in 2000. During his career, he has held roles across Finance, Strategy, eCommerce, Marketing and Operations, in positions of increasing responsibility. Additionally, he has worked with teams across multiple markets, including the United States, Argentina and Chile, driving critical business outcomes, said the retailer.
In his most recent position as CEO for Walmart Chile, he has played an integral role in accelerating the company’s transformation, making life easier for customers and giving them access to buy what they need, where, when and how they want to shop, added Walmart.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Walmart Canada team,” said Gebara in a statement. “Walmart Canada has over 100,000 dedicated and talented associates and a strong foundation to build on. I look forward to working with our associates to continue to strengthen, innovate and grow our business in Canada.”
JP Suarez, Executive Vice President, Chief Administration Officer and Regional CEO for Walmart International, led Walmart Canada on an interim basis for the past six months and will continue to oversee the market.
He took over after the departure of Horacio Barbeito, who was appointed Walmart Canada’s President and CEO in 2019.
Barbeito had a 26-year career with Walmart. He is now President and CEO of Old Navy.
When he left Walmart, the retailer, in a statement, said he led the company “through the pandemic while driving an agenda of wellness, innovation and regeneration. Through his leadership, over the last three years we’ve invested in stores, associates, our supply chain and eCommerce.”
“I’ve been privileged to work in five different countries during 26 years with Walmart and I’ve had the honor to serve as CEO in three markets for over 10 years. My time at Walmart has given me a unique opportunity to meet, serve and work with an amazing and diverse group of customers and associates – and to build lasting memories and friendships. I couldn’t have done all this without the unconditional support of my family, my wife and our four children. We will always be a Walmart family,” said Barbeito in a statement at the time.
Walmart has more than 400 stores in Canada with 1.5 million customers each day. It employs more than 100,000 people in the country.
Interesting update as Zellers launched their social channels today to hint at their early 2023 launch!