2016 Latina of Influence | Gisel Ruiz
2016 Latinas of Influences
Hispanic Lifestyle is pleased to recognize Gisel Ruiz, Executive Vice President for the International People Division at Walmart as a 2016 Latina of Influence. Ms. Ruiz along with her fellow Latinas of Influence are invited to participate in Hispanic Lifestyle’s Latina Conference to be held on April 8, 2016 at the Ontario Airport Hotel, Ontario, CA. The complete listing of Hispanic Lifestyle’s 2016 Latinas of Influence can be found on Hispaniclifestyle.com
Gisel Ruiz is executive vice president for the International People Division, supporting more than a million associates in 26 countries outside the United States. In this role, Gisel is responsible for driving the human resources strategy and priorities for one of the fastest growing divisions of the company. A 22-year associate, Gisel is an inspirational leader who has consistently contributed to Walmart’s growth and success while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our associates. Prior to this role, Gisel was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Walmart U.S., and was responsible for the company’s U.S. operations, which includes more than 4,100 discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Walmart Express formats. Additional responsibilities included oversight of the U.S. Asset Protection, Real Estate and Store Innovations organizations. Gisel was promoted to the role in February 2012 and in her time as COO drove a decrease in operating expenses, the opening of more than 400 new stores, and an increase in women and people of color in operations leadership roles.
Gisel Ruiz
Previously, Gisel was executive vice president of People for Walmart U.S., with responsibility for human resources and store innovations, supporting more than 1.2 million associates. She helped transform the company’s approach to talent management and leveraged technology to drive changes that increased efficiencies and improved the associate and customer experience.
Gisel began her career at Walmart as a store management trainee in 1992. She has held a variety of leadership positions in store operations, labor relations and human resources. In 2006, she became vice president and regional general manager in the field operations division, and was responsible for 150 Walmart stores in western Texas and New Mexico. From 2008 to 2010, Gisel served as senior vice president of Walmart People, leading the human resources organization for more than 3,700 stores across the United States.
Because of her passion for mentoring, Gisel has been recognized for her ability to lead and teach. She has a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Santa Clara University, where she also completed the Retail Management Institute program.
Ms. Ruiz was nominated by Mark Espinoza
