Walmart is eliminating some roles and “evolving the structure” of its U.S. retail media arm, Walmart Connect, according to an internal memo to associates reviewed by Marketing Dive. Changes to the advertising division are part of broader adjustments the big-box store is making to its global technology and U.S. organizations that are intended to reduce complexity, improve speed and foster innovation.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on the restructuring plans, which are expected to eliminate 1,500 corporate jobs. The scope of the impact on Connect is not clear. Walmart stated it would aid affected associates on other opportunities, including internal ones where applicable.
“The world of technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and reshaping our structure allows us to accelerate how we deliver and adapt to the changing environment around us,” reads the memo.
At the same time, Walmart is opening new roles that are aligned with its growth agenda. Connect leaders on LinkedIn this week put out the call for hires in areas including the personal care vertical under its consumables division, though it was not clear whether those were related to the broader shuffle. Connect in recent months has seen some leadership shakeups: Head of Food Doug Jossem left for Madison Square Garden Entertainment in March. Lesley Conway, the former CEO of WPP’s Mindshare Canada, was appointed head of Connect on May 5.
The push for efficiency comes as Connect grew 31% year over year in Walmart’s fiscal Q1 2026, per an earnings statement released last week. Walmart’s global ad business was up 50% YoY, receiving a boost from connected TV devicemaker Vizio, which the company acquired for $2.3 billion last year. Vizio is not yet factored into Connect’s revenue, but is expected to accelerate growth for the unit, which is a top player in retail media.
