2024 Grocery Industry Icons & Innovators

Venessa Yates currently serves as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Walmart+, leading a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional value and best-in-class service to members. With over 15 years of retail experience, Venessa has held various leadership roles at prominent retailers worldwide, including Walmart, Woolworths, and ALDI Stores. Throughout her career, she has successfully implemented customer and member strategies across multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Venessa joined Walmart in 2016 and has since held several key roles within the company, including Senior Director of Business Development in Private Brands and Merchandising Vice President in Snacks. Prior to her current role, Venessa served as Vice President of Merchandising Strategy, driving the evolution of Walmart's U.S. merchandising business through a series of strategic initiatives.

Venessa graduated from the University of New England's School of Economics, Business and Law with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Human Resource Management. She and her husband, Hall, reside in Bentonville, Arkansas, with their pets Matilda and Winston. Originally from Australia, Venessa is an avid outdoors enthusiast, traveler, and adventure seeker.