Trailblazers: Black Leadership in Retail

Latriece Watkins Takes the Helm at Sam’s Club 

We often think of companies in terms of their iconic logos or catchy slogans. Rarely do we think of the people behind the big corporate machine and the human element that makes it all possible. CSG’s Trailblazer series puts a spotlight on individuals who have made their own way and empowered those around them. February is Black History Month, and we’re kicking off 2026 by celebrating Black executives who have taken their industries by storm and guided legacy brands to a new future. 

Imagine starting as an intern and nearly three decades later becoming the CEO. That’s exactly what happened to Latriece Watkins, who just took over as President and CEO of Sam’s Club on February 1st. Her story is one of those rare career journeys that prove persistence and seizing opportunities can take you all the way to the top. What makes it even better? She started shopping at Walmart as a kid in small-town Arkansas and never dreamed; she would one day be running one of its biggest divisions. 

Growing up in McGehee, Arkansas, Watkins was just another kid shopping at Walmart stores. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in political science from Spelman College, then attended law school at the University of Arkansas. While studying for her law degree, she landed an internship in Walmart’s real estate division in 1997. That part-time job eventually turned into a full-time career. Guiding her through just about every major area of the company, from real estate, merchandising, human resources, and store operations. She’s climbed the ladder one rung at a time and earned her reputation as one of retail’s most influential leaders. 

Before stepping into the Sam’s Club CEO role, Watkins ran merchandising for Walmart U.S., which is a fancy way of saying she decided what products ended up on shelves in stores across the country. We’re talking about $500 billion worth of merchandise. That’s one of the most powerful jobs in retail. She had a knack for bringing in premium brands such as Sonos speakers and La Roche-Posay skincare while still keeping prices low. Her biggest win? Launching Bettergoods, Walmart’s first new grocery private label in 20 years. Think about international flavors with eye-catching packaging, and 90% of the items are priced under five bucks. She proved you don’t have to sacrifice quality to keep things affordable. 

Watkins has her work cut out for her leading Sam’s Club as it goes head-to-head with Costco. Sam’s Club pulled in $90.2 billion in sales last year across 600 stores, about 13% of Walmart’s total revenue. Her game plan? Beef up Sam’s Club’s private label, Member’s Mark, which already makes up about a third of sales. Given her track record with developing winning brands and understanding what wealthier shoppers want, she’s the right person for the job. 

Watkins isn’t just about business. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Live Nation Entertainment. In addition, she stays busy with a long list of community organizations: the Thaden School, Mercy Health Foundation, American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club. She even chaired UNITY, Walmart’s affinity group for African American associates, for two terms, and has been a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion throughout her career. Fortune called it back in 2020 when they put her on a list of women most likely to become one of their Most Powerful Women. She was also inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame for everything she’s done in business and her community. 

Here’s why Watkins’ appointment matters beyond just business wins: Black women make up only 1.7% of executive roles in retail, according to the Women of Color Retail Alliance. Her promotion puts another Black woman at the very top of corporate America and builds on what Rosalind Brewer started when she led Sam’s Club from 2012 to 2017 before moving on to run Starbucks and Walgreens. Watkins credits the strong women in her family for her success and believes that life comes full circle. She lives in Bentonville with her two kids, Alex and Londyn. 

As Watkins settles into her new role at Sam’s Club, she will be bringing a customer-first mindset, years of operational experience, and a commitment to building up her team. She believes that “great retail starts with great people,” which is exactly the kind of thinking that’ll keep Sam’s Club moving forward. The retail world is watching to see what she does next, and if her track record is any indication, we’re in for some exciting changes. She’s living proof that with opportunity, hard work, and vision, you can make it to the top. Follow CSG as we continue celebrating Black History Month with more trailblazers who are shaping the future of retail and foodservice. 

Sources 

• Walmart Corporate Newsroom 

• Fortune Magazine 

• Arkansas Black Hall of Fame 

• Women of Color Retail Alliance