In recent weeks two high ranking executives working at Wal-Mart in digital e-commerce and analytics have left the retailer for jobs at ABC-Disney and PepsiCo, both suppliers to Wal-Mart.
Gibu Thomas, former senior vice president for mobile and digital at Walmart.com, quietly exited the retailer to join PepsiCo, who’s trying to use mobile and digital media along with e-commerce to drive more international business.
Thomas was instrumental in the progress that Walmart.com has made over the past five years in mobile capabilities. He was a staple at the retailer’s tech shop @WalmartLabs since its inception working directly under its CEO Neil Ashe. Thomas was also key in the revamp of the retailer’s e-commerce website and its popular mobile app that supports Savings Catcher, prescription refill ordering, price checks and other features.
Cindy Davis, an executive vice president of global insights an analytics for Wal-Mart, has also landed a job elsewhere. Davis is now a senior level digital media executive at ABC-Disney where she is responsible for improving research across media platforms, including consumer insights and analytics looking to beef up consumer experience.
Davis had been the executive vice president of global customer insights and analytics for Wal-Mart since 2011. She established a Center of Excellence for Customer Insights & Analytics that integrated sales data, customer surveys, social signals, and analytics to predict customer needs. Before Walmart, Davis held a senior executive position at Sam’s Club overseeing membership, marketing and e-commerce.