Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. promoted John Fleming, to executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the company effective May 2.

Fleming, 46, will succeed Robert F. “Bob” Connolly, who last month announced his decision to retire at the end of the year.

Currently president and CEO of Walmart.com, Fleming will retain oversight of the company’s online business as well as assume responsibility for all marketing and consumer communications programs, including advertising, consumer research, visual merchandising, signage, point-of-sale programs and all in-store promotional materials. He will report to Michael T. Duke, president and CEO of the Wal-Mart Stores Division. Fleming will also serve on the company’s executive committee.

Since joining Wal-Mart four and a half years ago, Fleming has led Walmart.com through significant growth of its online product, especially as the business has continued to focus on more expanded product and service offerings. During his tenure, Walmart.com initiated key integration activities with Wal-Mart stores, including one-hour photo service, music downloads, gift registry, and online pharmacy.

Fleming spent 19 years at Target Corporation before joining Wal-Mart. During his time there, he held various retail and merchandising positions in the department stores division. His final assignment with Target Corporation was as senior vice president of merchandising, responsible for the fashion divisions (apparel, shoes and accessories).

Over the next few months, Fleming will divide his time between Wal-Mart’s home office in Bentonville, Ark., and Walmart.com’s office in Brisbane, Calif., before relocating fulltime to Northwest Arkansas.

JCK