Background on Cristian Barrientos Pozo
Cristian Barrientos Pozo has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Walmart de Mexico y Centroamérica, according to the retail chain’s announcement.
Career Progression
- Barrientos Pozo began his career with Walmart Chile over 26 years ago, where he spearheaded the launch of the Súper Bodega aCuenta format in 2007, which has since become one of the key growth drivers in that market.
- In 2012, he joined Walmart Mexico as Vice President of Operations for Bodega Aurrera, later becoming Senior Vice President in 2016, overseeing the three Walmart formats.
- During this period, he led the opening of more than 600 stores and the development of new business models.
- In 2018, he was appointed as Director General of Walmart Centroamerica, managing operations in five countries.
- He returned to Mexico in 2020 as Director of Operations, driving expansion, opening more stores and distribution centers.
- He also focused on digitalization and strengthening e-commerce, as part of Walmart’s strategy to establish itself as the leading omnichannel player in the Mexican market.
- In 2023, Barrientos Pozo assumed the presidency and CEO role of Walmart Chile.
Education and Achievements
Barrientos Pozo is a graduate of the Universidad Gabriela Mistral and holds an MBA from the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.
Transition and Industry Context
His appointment comes after Walmart publicly announced the resignation of former CEO Ignacio Caride on August 1 due to personal reasons, following his tenure of just over a year.
Industry analyst Antonio Hernández from Actinver noted that Walmart has faced margin pressures due to moderated consumption and rising labor costs within a competitive retail industry.
However, Hernández believes that Barrientos Pozo’s experience in expanding and digitalizing Walmart Mexico will be crucial for improving the retailer’s performance in this new phase.
Walmart de Mexico and Centroamerica Overview
As of the second quarter of 2025, Walmart de Mexico and Centroamerica operated a total of 4,124 stores globally. In Mexico, it managed 3,191 stores under formats such as Bodega Aurrera, Bodega, Mi Bodega, Bodega Aurrerá Express, Walmart Supercenter, Walmart Express, and Sam’s Club.
In Centroamerica, it operated 933 units across formats including Tiendas de Descuento, Bodegas, Supermercado, and Walmart Supercenter.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Cristian Barrientos Pozo? Cristian Barrientos Pozo is a seasoned retail executive with over 26 years of experience at Walmart, having started his career in Chile and progressing through various leadership roles across Mexico and Centroamerica.
- What is his role at Walmart de Mexico and Centroamerica? Barrientos Pozo has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica, succeeding Ignacio Caride.
- Why is this appointment significant? Barrientos Pozo’s extensive experience in expanding and digitalizing Walmart operations is expected to bolster the company’s performance amidst industry challenges.
- What are Walmart’s key store formats in Mexico and Centroamerica? In Mexico, Walmart operates stores under Bodega Aurrera, Bodega, Mi Bodega, Bodega Aurrerá Express, Walmart Supercenter, Walmart Express, and Sam’s Club. In Centroamerica, the formats include Tiendas de Descuento, Bodegas, Supermercado, and Walmart Supercenter.
