Retail Giant Walmart Is Looking to Hire Cryptocurrency Product Lead
U.S. retail giant Walmart is "seeking a visionary leader" for its new role in digital currency and cryptocurrency as a product lead.
On the official website's careers page, Walmart posted a new Digital Currency and Cryptocurrency Product Lead role on August 15. The position seeks an expert in Digital Currencies/Cryptocurrency and Blockchain related technologies, which will drive the vision for the product and capabilities roadmap. Allegedly as per the post, the successful applicant would also identify crypto-related investments and partnerships.
"You will be responsible for developing the Digital Currency strategy and product roadmap," the ad said. "As an expert in Digital
Currencies/ Cryptocurrency and Blockchain related technologies, you will drive the vision for the product and capabilities roadmap."
The primary job location is in Bentonville, Arkansas (birthplace of the retailer Walmart). Walmart provided no information or description of the salary components. The basic qualifications for the position is a Bachelor's Degree with ten plus years of experience in product or program management, technology commercialization, and experience with the cryptocurrency ecosystem and related technologies.
An MBA or equivalent experience, significant functional knowledge of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, and a strong background in technology-based product commercialization are listed as "Preferred Qualifications."
It's unclear from the ad what products the new joiner would launch. The job ad was released weeks after rumours surged that Amazon was entering the crypto market. Amazon, too, has its job ad for a digital currency and blockchain product lead with almost similar requirements.
Nevertheless, Amazon has explicitly denied reports that it would accept bitcoin as a form of payment.
In 2019, Walmart applied for a patent on price-stable crypto similar to Facebook's nascent project, then called Libra. The following year in late 2020, StormX, the blockchain-based rewards platform that helps users earn crypto, offered a 4% 'crypto back' incentive for all Walmart purchases.
Walmart uses the new cutting edge blockchain tech for non-financial purposes, such as tracking drugs and food along the supply chain.
Tesla, Microsoft, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and many more companies have already accepted BTC as a cryptocurrency for payments. If Walmart also declares a similar acceptance, it would be a massive win for crypto holders.