Wal-Mart chief of Latin America leaves company

Associated Press - November 18, 2009 5:44 PM ET

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The leader of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Latin American division, Vicente Trius, is leaving the company after having served less than five months in the position.

The world's largest retailer said Wednesday that Trius was departing but did not give a reason. Company spokesman Kevin Gardner said he couldn't elaborate on the development, however Wal-Mart hopes to quickly hire a replacement.

Trius spent 11 years running Wal-Mart's Brazil operation before being tapped to lead the company's Asia stores for a year prior to taking the Latin America post.

The move was announced to staff on Tuesday by company international division chief Doug McMillon. Trius assumed the Latin America job on July 6.