Latriece Watkins

Latriece Watkins serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Walmart U.S., making her one of the top five executives at the world’s largest retailer and the nation’s largest real estate holder. Sincejoining Walmart in 1997 as a law student intern, she has built a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, holding leadership roles across real estate, Sam’s Club, Walmart U.S. merchandising, human resources, and store operations. Her breadth of experience enables her to bring a 360-degree perspective to her leadership, always with customers at the center.

Before assuming her current position, Watkins served as EVP for Consumables and Over-the-Counter Merchandising, where she advanced omni-channel strategies in baby, beauty, personal care, household paper and chemicals, and over-the-counter health products. She previously held leadership roles in adult beverages, snacks, and general merchandise, where she established Walmart as a market leader. Throughout her career, she has led major strategic initiatives and portfolio transformations that continue to shape Walmart’s success.

Watkins has been widely recognized for her leadership and influence in the retail industry. She has been featured in Essence Magazine, named to FORTUNE Magazine’s “Ones to Watch” list, and profiled in Talk Business & Politics. Her many honors include Forty Under 40, Women in Business, Women to Watch, Mass Market Retailer’s Most Influential Women in Retail, and the inaugural Madam C.J. Walker Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Committed to service beyond the boardroom, Watkins has served on the boards of Live Nation Entertainment, the Thaden School, and the Mercy Health Foundation of Northwest Arkansas. She is also active in community organizations, including the American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, and the Boys and Girls Club.

A native of McGehee, Arkansas, Watkins displayed leadership early as a cheerleading captain and student council president. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law. Her Walmart journey began the day after she took the bar exam, when she received an offer for full-time employment, setting her on a historic path to the C-suite.

Watkins lives in the Bentonville area with her two children, Alex and Londyn. She attributes her success to the example of strong, nurturing women in her family and carries with her the belief that life comes full circle: treat people with respect, because one day you may need to go back to them