BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In an unexpected turn of events, Brian Cornell is stepping down as Sam's Club president and CEO and will be replaced by Rosalind Brewer, who currently serves as president of the Walmart U.S. East business unit. The company announced a number of other senior personnel changes as well in advance of the new fiscal year. In a statement, Walmart said Cornell, 52, recently informed the company that he and his wife would like to move back to the Northeast for family reasons. His departure comes as Sam's has experienced strong sales growth. "Brian has done a terrific job at Sam's Club," Walmart president and CEO Mike Duke said. "He is a strong, high-energy leader who has delivered great results and leaves behind a business with outstanding momentum. In addition to building a talented, high-functioning team to run that business, he has also developed other leaders who now hold senior positions around the globe."