A New Chapter for Walmart Canada: Venessa Yates Named President and CEO

Walmart Canada is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Venessa Yates as President and CEO, effective immediately.

A seasoned leader within the Walmart organization, Yates brings extensive experience from a career that has spanned key roles in operations, merchandising, and strategic initiatives. Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer for Walmart Canada, where she led the company’s store operations, ecommerce, and supply chain teams.

Under her leadership, Walmart Canada has strengthened its commitment to creating an even more seamless shopping experience for customers, blending the best of in-store and online offerings. Yates has been a driving force behind operational excellence and innovation, helping the company adapt to the rapidly changing needs of Canadian shoppers.

Her promotion also reflects Walmart’s broader focus on developing internal talent and investing in leaders who know the business intimately. With a deep understanding of both the Canadian retail landscape and Walmart’s unique culture, Yates is well-positioned to guide the organization into its next phase of growth.

Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart Inc., shared his confidence in Yates’s leadership, emphasizing her track record of results and passion for empowering associates. He highlighted her role in advancing Walmart’s mission to help people save money and live better, particularly during a time when customers are looking for more value and convenience than ever before.

As she assumes her new role, Yates will focus on accelerating Walmart Canada’s priorities: delivering an exceptional omnichannel experience, investing in stores and supply chain infrastructure, fostering a strong associate culture, and driving sustainability initiatives.

Her appointment marks a significant moment not only for Walmart Canada but for the broader Walmart organization, as it continues to champion leadership that is rooted in operational expertise, innovation, and a commitment to community impact.

Yates succeeds Gonzalo Gebara, who has moved into the role of President and CEO of Walmart U.S.

With Venessa Yates at the helm, Walmart Canada is poised to continue evolving to meet the needs of today’s shoppers while building a stronger, more resilient business for the future.

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