Sean Clarke named as head of Wal-Mart's China operations

Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Friday it had appointed Sean Clarke as CEO Wal-Mart China. He is currently chief operating officer in the country.

Clarke's predecessor Greg Foran will head Wal-Mart's Asia unit. The changes come as the world's largest retailer changes its China strategy toward quality from rapid expansion and quantity.

Its strategy in the country brought annual sales growth of 24.5 percent last year and a place among the country's top-three retailers, according to an industry report. Wal-Mart increased its store units 3 percent in China last year. It plans to open 110 new facilities in the next three years even as it is closing unprofitable outlets.