US retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc has announced the appointment of Carter Cast as president of Walmart.com. The 41-year old Cast will assume his new responsibilities from 5 July 2005.

He succeeds John Fleming, who was recently promoted to executive vice president/chief marketing officer of Wal-Mart. Cast will lead all the day-to-day operations of the company's online business. He will focus on expanding the site's merchandise assortment and product information and will develop services that integrate into Wal-Mart stores. He will report directly to John Fleming.

In a statement Fleming said: "We are extremely pleased to have Carter lead our fast-growing online business. Carter is an outstanding ecommerce and management talent who will help us further leverage the Wal-Mart brand and deepen our online commitment to customers."

Cast joined Walmart.com as vice president of marketing and site in 2000. In 2002 he was promoted to senior vice president of merchandising and marketing. He very much led the company through a period of extensive growth in site traffic and sales. He headed up the launch of Walmart.com's music download service and apparel business and managed the company's the firm's continuous expansion of categories including home furniture and electronics. His most recent role was as chief marketing officer at eBay.

"I'm very proud to have been part of the eBay culture, and to have worked with a committed, talented group of people," Cast said in a statement. "However, the opportunity to return as the new president of Walmart.com - the company I had a hand in building - was one I couldn't refuse. I'm very excited to rejoin Walmart.com in this new role."