BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Yale Martin, senior category director of O-T-C merchandising at Walmart, has retired after 18 years with the company.

In that role, Martin led a team of buyers responsible for merchandising over-the-counter products for Walmart’s 5,000 stores in the United States. He also contributed to the launch of the 88 cents O-T-C program and the implementation of ultra-low-cost diabetic testing options.

Martin joined Walmart in 1996 in the infant department, where his boss was Doug McMillon, who in February became the fifth chief executive officer in Walmart’s 52-year history. Martin also held positions in pets and cosmetics.

He came to Walmart from Ben Franklin variety stores, where he was finance director.

“We appreciate Yale’s contributions to the business, customers and the team,” says Carmen Bauza, Walmart’s senior vice president and general merchandise manager for health and wellness.

Martin’s replacement has not been named.