Ken Eaton was responsible for the direct sourcing of products globally for Wal-Mart's retail stores in the United States and around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Korea, and Japan (partial interest). He had 1200 associates in his organization, at 20 sourcing offices in 17 different countries, Their mission was to work directly with suppliers and factories to develop global buying plans for Wal-Mart retail stores. Eaton reported directly to Mr. Tom Coughlin, Vice Chairman of the Board of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Ken joined Wal-Mart in 1987, working in the beginning stages of HyperMart / Supercenters. He served Wal-Mart Stores as Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager, Accessories and Intimate Apparel; Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager, Men and Boys Apparel Mart Stores; and Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for Jewelry and Shoes Merchandising. In 2001, he became the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Wal-Mart Global Procurement.