BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club has promoted Steve Schrobilgen to executive vice president and chief operating officer, the membership warehouse club announced. He succeeds Tom Ward, who recently retired from the company.
Schrobilgen comes to the role from Walmart Canada, where he served as chief operations officer. During that tenure, he was credited with strengthening the Canadian unit's operational foundations, advancing transformation initiatives, improving labor effectiveness and accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence in operations. Before that posting, he spent more than two years in Walmart U.S. as senior vice president of operations, leading the West business unit.
Despite his years away, Schrobilgen's appointment carries a homecoming quality. His first job with the company was at Sam's Club, and he brings more than three decades of experience with the banner. He is a recipient of the Blue Coat, Sam's Club's highest individual honor.
"As Sam's Club continues evolving into a more connected, seamless, and modern membership experience, Steve's leadership will play an important role in helping us continue to raise the bar across our clubs and operations," president and CEO Latriece Watkins said in a statement.
Schrobilgen is relocating to Bentonville, Arkansas, and is expected to be in the office by late June.
