Leslie Dach, executive vice president of corporate affairs of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT), is leaving the company in June. Dach has been serving the company for seven years and he was responsible for transforming the company’s reputation.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) hired Dach in 2006 amid its effort to reinvent its image due to different controversies such as allegations that it is not treating it workers properly and the bribery in Mexico.
Dach was in charge of the public policy, reputation management corporate communications, philanthropy, government relations, and social responsibility and sustainability initiatives of the retail giant.
Dach served as the primary lobbyist of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) in Washington. He was instrumental in improving the favourable rating for the retail giant by initiating charitable activities, childhood nutrition, and environmental initiatives.
In 2010, Dach told investors that the retail giant’s strategy in transforming its image were successful. He said, “Across the board, our reputation with elected officials is improved, not only here in the U.S. but around the world.” Back then, Dach presented a survey indicating the Wal-Mart’s public image improved. According to him, the retail giant’s popularity made it easier for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) to “stay out of the public limelight” when they it doesn’t want to be the focus of attention.
Some of the recent initiatives of the retail giant in terms of improving its reputation include the hiring of more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years. The company also implemented stricter policies for its suppliers after a deadly fire occurred in an apparel factory in Bangladesh. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) implemented a zero tolerance policy to suppliers that will subcontract work without its knowledge.
The retail giant also announced the expansion of its solar panel installation in its twelve Wal-Mart and Sam’s Clubs stores located in the state of Ohio generate approximately 6,000,000 kWh of electricity, enough to provide power to more than 820 homes. The initiative is part of the company’s commitment to increase the use of renewable energy resources.
Today, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) launched the “Women Empowering Together,” an initiative that supports small businesses owned by women around the world by connecting them to shoppers through its online site.
