Jose Luis Laparte has over 17 years of experience in the merchandising industry, having been employed since early 1990 by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in Mexico and the U.S. in progressively responsible positions: Buyer, Divisional Merchandise Manager and General Merchandise Manager. In May 2000, Mr. Laparte was appointed Vice President, Wal-Mart de Mexico, responsible for the sales and expansion of the Sam's Club format in Mexico. In October, 2002 Mr. Laparte was promoted to the position of Vice President of Sam's International and relocated to Bentonville, Arkansas, where Mr. Laparte remained until late 2003, directing and overseeing the operation of 72 Sam's Clubs located in several countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil and China. Mr. Laparte is a graduate of La Salle University in Mexico City where he earned his Bachelor degree in Systems Engineering. |