Sam’s Club Names New CEO to Lead $96 Billion Business

Latriece Watkins assumed the role of CEO at Sam’s Club in April. She previously served as chief merchant for Walmart U.S. and spent a decade in the company’s real estate division. Sam’s Club generated $96 billion in revenue during the most recent fiscal year.

The retailer operates 601 locations and maintains a narrower product selection than its parent company, stocking about 4,000 stock-keeping units compared with more than 100,000 at Walmart stores.

Watkins began her career as a lawyer before moving into real estate at Walmart. She declined an initial offer to join Sam’s Club but later accepted a merchant role after encouragement from then-CEO Doug McMillon. She advanced through positions overseeing alcohol and snacks before becoming chief merchant for Walmart U.S. in 2023.

In that role she managed product selection for millions of daily transactions.

The previous Sam’s Club CEO announced plans for 30 new stores, full remodels of existing locations, and a goal to double sales, profit, and membership over eight to ten years. Sam’s Club contributes 13 percent of Walmart’s total sales. Its business model relies on $60 annual membership fees and allows greater operational independence than other Walmart divisions.

Watkins stated she intends to focus on performing well in her current position rather than future advancement.