Neil Ashe joins Wal-mart as CEO of global e-commerce

Neil Ashe

Marketing executive Neil Ashe has joined Wal-mart Stores as president and CEO of the company's global e-commerce business. Ashe is replacing Eduardo Castro-Wright, who is retiring but who will assist in the transition, the retailer confirmed Jan. 17.

In his new role, Ashe will be tasked with leading Wal-mart's expansion of its global e-commerce division, which already has online businesses in the U.S., the U.K., Canada and Brazil. He will continue the expansion into new markets like China and will focus on a multichannel approach that incorporates online, mobile and social media, according to a statement confirmed by Wal-mart.

“E-commerce is a great opportunity for us and we have a long-term vision to win,” said Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-mart, in the statement. “We are on track to create the next generation of e-commerce, combining the latest in online innovations with physical stores to give our customers a unique and seamless shopping experience.”

Wal-mart declined to comment beyond its statement.

Prior to joining Wal-Mart, Ashe was president of CBS Interactive where he led all of the company's online properties and was in charge of development and distribution deals for websites including CBS.com, CNET.com, CBSNews.com and CBSSports.com. 

Ashe came to CBS when the media giant acquired CNET Networks, where Ashe served as CEO. At CNET, Ashe developed the Chinese division of CNET.com.