Wal-Mart names Krish Iyer as India unit head

US retail major Wal-Mart Stores Friday named Krish Iyer as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of its India unit, effective Jan 20, 2014, a company statement said here.

Iyer, who will report to Wal-Mart Asia regional president and CEO Scott Price, will replace interim CEO Ramnik Narsey, who is taking a new role as senior vice president, Wal-Mart International.

"Krish will be responsible for leading the growth and success of our India operations while also continuing to develop our future retail strategy there," Price said.

Iyer joined Wal-Mart International as a senior vice president in 2012. Prior to coming to Wal-Mart, he spent six years with A.S. Watson Group, a leading international health, beauty and lifestyle retailer, serving as managing director in Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines, regional business development director and regional director over store design and development for Asia and Eastern Europe.

"It is an honor to be named to this role and to have the opportunity to continue to develop Wal-Mart's business in India. Through Wal-Mart's investment here, including our cash and carry business, supply chain infrastructure, direct farm program and supplier development, we want to serve India and its people, and continue to make important social and environmental contributions to the country," Iyer said.