What: Judith McKenna’s interview on Covid-19 vaccines, supply chain and remote working

Why it is important: An interesting sum up of what’s on the mind of the largest retailer in the world, plus a crucial reminder of retailers’ social roles as a whole.

Walmart International division CEO oversees 5,141 stores in 23 countries, staffed by 550,000 employees, in addition to managing the global sourcing operations. In other words, the context makes the position even more challenging than ever.

On the Covid-19 vaccine front, by reminding that 95% of the US population is within 10 miles of a Walmart store, the fact that Walmart wants to be involved in the national vaccination campaign comes as a consequence of its place in society, which is a constant for all department stores in the world. Interestingly, the complexity of such an operation at such a scale implies that it is not just about how many vaccines are delivered, but how a retailer organises itself to complete the action of health authorities in an efficient, traceable and transparent way.

McKenna also discusses the implications of remote working (see our most recent IADS exclusive articles here and here on this topic) as she recruited the new president for China operations 100% remotely, and the new person has not met anyone from Benton, USA, face to face. Even though she reckons remote working and management works, McKenna stresses the importance of travelling and visiting stores from time to time to keep connected with the reality of markets.

Walmart International CEO Talks Vaccination Ramp-Up