Instagram's Kevin Systrom joins Wal-Mart board

SAN FRANCISCO -- Instagram co-founder and CEO Kevin Systrom is joining Wal-Mart's board of directors as the world' largest retailer stocks up on technology talent.

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer is also a board member.

With growing competition from Amazon.com and the blockbuster initial public offering from Chinese Internet giant Alibaba earlier this month, Wal-Mart is stepping up its investments in e-commerce.

Last month it redesigned its website to be friendlier to mobile devices and said it was updating its search engine and recommendation tools.

"Kevin's entrepreneurial background and his technical and digital expertise will be invaluable as we further connect with customers and deploy new capabilities through e-commerce and mobile channels," Rob Walton, chairman of Wal-Mart, said in a statement. "Kevin's passion and deep knowledge of social media align with our focus to engage customers through our digital and physical channels."

Systrom will serve on the company's technology and e-commerce committee and its compensation, nominating and governance committee.

Systrom co-founded Instagram in 2010. Facebook bought the company for $1 billion in 2012.

"It's an honor to join the Walmart Board and have an opportunity to help provide more convenient and flexible ways for people to shop," Systrom said, in a statement.

Earlier this month, Systrom joined the board of directors of KCRW, a community radio station in the Los Angeles area.