BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Labeed Diab has been named senior vice president and president of health and wellness at Walmart. He succeeds John Agwunobi, who is leaving the company after holding the post for almost seven years.

Diab has a strong background in operations and health care. He most recently led the Wal-mart U.S. Midwest division as senior vice president. Under his leadership, the division became the first to penetrate the urban market, opening small-format stores throughout Chicago.

Diab began his career as a pharmacy manager with American Stores, parent of Jewel-Osco and Sav-on Drugs. He served in regional and divisional operations roles at CVS Caremark Corp. and Rite Aid Corp. before joining Walmart in 2009 as director of operations.

“As a college student, I decided to pursue a career in pharmacy,” says Diab. “Health care was my passion then, and it remains my passion today. With millions of customers shopping our stores every day, we have a responsibility to provide best-in-class health care for our customers. In this new role, I look forward to going back to my days of educating customers and offering health care products and services that will help our customers live healthier lives.”

Agwunobi, a pediatrician, started at Walmart in September 2007 after serving as assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services and as an admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Before that, he served as Florida’s secretary of health and state health officer.

Chief merchandising officer Duncan Mac Naughton says that Agwunobi led many of Walmart’s efforts to develop health and wellness initiatives that have cut the cost of health care for millions of Americans.

“During his tenure [Agwunobi] has helped make a difference on important issues that matter to our customers and associates,” Mac Naughton states. “He made enhancements to the prescription program, which drove down prescription medication costs and provided ongoing savings through our pharmacy offerings. And he has continued to drive innovation in the space by testing new concepts that position Walmart well for the future.

“Now, as the face of health care in America continues to change, he’s looking forward to exploring and engaging in other areas in the field.”