MAM
Chris Nicholas takes charge as CEO of Walmart International
MUMBAI: The trolley just got bigger. After steering one of the world’s most influential membership retailers, Chris Nicholas is now taking the global aisle. Chris Nicholas has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Walmart International, succeeding Kathryn McLay. The move marks a significant leadership shift as Walmart sharpens its international ambitions across diverse markets.
Announcing the transition, Nicholas struck an upbeat note, pointing to the strength of Walmart’s global teams and its culture of rapid innovation. “We have strong businesses led by incredible teams across our markets, a culture of rapid innovation, and a timeless purpose to help people save money and live better,” he said, adding that he was eager to “shape the future of global retail together” and get “on the road”.
Nicholas arrives with deep institutional knowledge. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Sam’s Club, where he led the membership-based retailer through a period of reinvention. Under his watch, Sam’s Club doubled down on exclusive value, convenience and a more integrated omnichannel ecosystem, redefining how members shop across physical and digital touchpoints.
Before that, Nicholas was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S., overseeing store operations and the supply chain. His remit spanned strategy, innovation, automation, distribution and fulfilment centres, last-mile delivery and real estate, a portfolio that put him at the operational heart of the retailer.
Nicholas first joined Walmart in 2018 as deputy chief financial officer, later becoming CFO of Walmart International and then CFO of Walmart U.S. That financial grounding is matched by a long global retail career: over two decades across nine countries, with senior leadership roles at Tesco, The Salling Group and Coles Group, where he played a role in major transformation across Australia’s supermarket sector.
Academically, Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Management Science from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and is a Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA).
With experience that spans finance, operations and global transformation, Nicholas now takes charge of Walmart’s international businesses at a time when scale, speed and local relevance matter more than ever. For Walmart, it’s a familiar leader, just operating on a much bigger map.
MAM
Joy Personal Care rolls out Ubtan Face Wash TVC with Shah Rukh Khan
New film pairs star power with simple skincare pitch for summer glow
MUMBAI: Joy Personal Care has unveiled a new television commercial for its Ubtan Face Wash, bringing together Shah Rukh Khan and Sanya Malhotra in a light-hearted campaign aimed at simplifying everyday skincare choices.
The film, which marks the product’s television debut, is set in a retail environment where Malhotra is seen navigating a shelf full of options before Khan steps in with his trademark charm to offer a fuss-free solution. The narrative leans on humour and relatability, turning a routine purchase into a playful exchange.
At its core, the campaign promotes the brand’s ubtan-based formulation, which blends traditional ingredients such as turmeric, saffron and sandalwood to address common summer concerns like tanning and dullness. The messaging keeps things simple, positioning the product as an easy addition to daily routines rather than a complicated skincare step.
RSH Global co-founder and chairman Sunil Agarwal said, “As summer sets in and exposure to sun and heat intensifies, skincare concerns like tan and dullness become more pronounced. Consumers today are looking for solutions that deliver visible results while remaining easy to incorporate into daily routines.”
Echoing the consumer-first approach, RSH Global chief marketing officer Poulomi Roy said, “Through this campaign, we have brought that insight to life in a simple and engaging way, showing how Joy Ubtan Face Wash makes traditional skincare easy and effective. Shah Rukh Khan and Sanya Malhotra add relatability and charm, helping the product connect more strongly with audiences.”
Sharing his experience, Shah Rukh Khan said the campaign stood out for its simplicity and everyday appeal, while Sanya Malhotra highlighted the natural chemistry and playful tone of the shoot.
The campaign will be amplified across television, digital and social platforms, signalling a wider push as the brand looks to strengthen its position in the competitive face wash segment.
Part of RSH Global, Joy Personal Care continues to build visibility through celebrity-led campaigns and sports partnerships, including associations with Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants.
With familiar faces, a breezy storyline and a focus on everyday concerns, the latest campaign keeps things straightforward. In a crowded skincare aisle, sometimes the easiest answer is also the most effective one.
