Walmart Loses Another Top Female Executive in Sam's Club's Ruiz

Walmart Inc. lost its second high-ranking female executive in the past few weeks as Gisel Ruiz has decided to take early retirement from its Sam’s Club division.

The 48-year-old Ruiz, who was chief operations officer at Sam’s, is leaving to “pursue other passions,” according to an internal memo, dated March 6, from Sam’s Club Chief Executive Officer John Furner. Her departure follows that of fellow executive vice president Jacqui Canney, Walmart’s top human-resources officer, who’s leaving for advertising giant WPP. Ruiz will be replaced by Walmart Senior Vice President Dacona Smith. A search is underway for Canney’s successor.