Wal-Mart is turning to its marketing chief in China to shape how it relays its message to shoppers in the U.S.
The world's largest retailer named Tony Rogers as chief marketing officer for the U.S. Friday. He will report to Greg Foran, president and CEO of Wal-Mart's U.S. division starting in mid-January. Rogers, a 10-year-veteran at the company, has been the head of marketing and social media in China for two years.
Rogers succeeds long-time marketing chief Stephen Quinn, who retires next month.
Wal-Mart has also beefed up its marketing muscle by hiring former Target marketing executive Michael Francis as consultant. Francis is best known for his nearly 30-year career at Target, where he helped create the discounter's cheap-chic image through whimsical advertising.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in a shift, is focusing on higher-income shoppers where it sees more growth. But it's still a tricky feat. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company announced in October that annual profit could fall as much as 12 percent for its fiscal 2017 as it invests heavily online and in its stores. The retailer is facing increasing competition from online players like Amazon.com and from dollar-store chains.
Prior to moving to China, Rogers worked for eight years in the Wal-Mart's marketing division. Before joining Wal-Mart, Rogers spent several years with Pepsi-Co's Frito-Lay division.
Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show
Kendrick Lamar will pop out on the NFL's biggest stage next year: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans.
The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that Lamar would lead the halftime festivities from the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9. The rap megastar, who has won 17 Grammys, said he's looking forward to bringing hip-hop to the NFL's championship game, where he performed as a guest artist with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg in 2022.
"Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date," Lamar said in a statement. "And I'll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one."
Lamar has experienced massive success since his debut album "good kid, m.A.A.d city" in 2012. Since then, he's accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album "DAMN."
The rapper's latest album "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," was released in 2022. He was featured on the song "Like That" with Future and Metro Boomin on a track that spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this year. He also garnered another hit with "Not Like Us."
Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called Lamar a "once-in-a-generation" artist and performer.
"His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision," Jay-Z said. "He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick's work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come."
Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. The creative direction of Lamar's performance will be provided by pgLang.
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