Wal-Mart Stores, Inc (NYSE:WMT) announced the appointment of its new Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, who will succeed Leslie Dach. During his tenure, Dach transformed the image of the retail giant to the positive. He was a former White House aide during the administration of President Bill Clinton.
According to Wal-Mart, Stores Inc (NYSE:WMT), its new EVP for Corporate Affairs is Dan Barlett. He previously served as president and CEO of the U.S. arm division of Hill+Knolton Strategies, a global business advisory firm serving corporation and non-profit organization in 52 countries. Barlett was also a former advisor to President George W. Bush.
The EVP for Corporate Affairs is responsible for ensuring that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc (NYSE:WMT) maintains a good brand reputation. He is also responsible for supervising corporate communications, government relations, policy, social responsibility, and sustainability initiatives for the retail giant as well the implementation of its charity efforts through the Wal-Mart Foundation. In other words, Barlett will serve as the image specialist of the company.
Dan Barlett Will Report Directly To CEO
Barlett will report directly to Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Inc (NYSE:WMT). He will serve as a member of the executive council of the retail giant. “Corporate Affairs plays a strong role in helping us meet our business objectives at Walmart,” said Duke.
According to him, “Dan’s personal integrity, strong professional skills and broad understanding of world affairs make him the ideal leader to continue moving us forward. He has had key roles in government and at a major communications company. He has also counseled a wide range of multinational corporate clients in areas such as growth strategy, crisis management and public opinion. He is known for being straightforward, a good listener and collaborative – all traits that will serve him well at Wal-Mart.”
In addition, Duke said, “The team also helps us step up to the broader role we can play in meeting some of the biggest social challenges in the world today – issues like fighting hunger, job creation, sustainability, women’s economic empowerment and the availability of healthier food.”
On the other hand, Barlett said, “Growing up in a small Texas town, I’ve seen first-hand the opportunity Walmart provides and the positive impact it can have on local communities. “Now Wal-Mart is in a unique position to make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world. I am honored and excited to be part of that.”
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc (NYSE:WMT) is facing investigations from regulators regarding its potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act over allegations that the company’s subsidiary, Wal-Mart de Mexico bribed officials in the country to change the zoning map and obtain a construction permit near the pyramids of Teotihuacan.
