Exec Tom Coughlin to retire

Monday, Dec. 6, 2004 | 9:15 a.m.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. vice chairman Tom Coughlin, whose responsibilities include overseeing Wal-Mart and Sam's Club warehouse stores, is retiring as an employee of the world's largest retailing company in January, the company announced today.

Coughlin, 55, who has been with Wal-Mart for more than 25 years, will leave Jan. 24, the company said. His term on the Wal-Mart board runs through June 2005. He has been vice chairman and a board member since April 2003.

Wal-Mart has seen disappointing sales since the day after Thanksgiving, but company spokesman Jay Allen said the results had not bearing on Coughlin's departure.

"There is absolutely no connection at all," Allen said. "It is important to us that he is staying with us through the holiday season."

Allen said Coughlin has trained a team to continue his duties.

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