The World's largest retailer, Walmart Stores Inc., unexpectedly announced Friday that its chief executive will retire in February and be replaced by the head of its international division, Mike Duke. The surprise change in leadership right before the crucial holiday season comes as Wal-Mart has roared back to success as people looking for bargains shop more at discounters. The company still faces hurdles in the coming months and analysts say the decision to tap an international executive serves as a testament that the company sees its future growth overseas. Mike Duke, 58, the vice chairman of the Bentonville, Arkansas based Wal-Mart will take the reins from Lee Scott on February 1. Duke, who joined the company in 1995 will take over this retail giant in one of the worst economic times.
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