The Fresh Market Appoints Gerald L. Walden, Jr. As Its First Head of Diversity
GREENSBORO, NC - Evolution at the executive level is a driving force behind company growth, and The Fresh Market continues to keep pace with its long-term goals. The retailer recently created the new leadership role of Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Head of Diversity. Taking over as the first individual to hold the title is Gerald L. Walden, Jr. who currently serves as the Vice President, Head of Legal.
As the Deputy General Counsel, Walden will continue to play an integral part in The Fresh Market’s Legal Team, offering vast experience in labor and employment law. He currently serves on The Fresh Market’s Diversity Action Board and, for nearly a decade, has overseen the company’s legal internship program, which provides opportunities exclusively to minority law students.
Walden also has an extensive background in inclusive leadership, having served as the Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Minorities in the Profession Committee, the President of the Guilford County Association of Black Lawyers, and currently serving as a Board Member on the National Employment Law Council and two historically Black universities.
According to a press release, the newly created Head of Diversity role underscores the company’s commitment to strategically advancing and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion values and practices in a way to better connect with The Fresh Market’s team members, partners, guests, and communities.
“Gerald has built a strong network throughout the organization and the State of North Carolina in his almost 17 years with the company that will help us continue our efforts in providing a more inclusive work environment for team members and shopping experience for our guests,” stated Jason Potter, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Congratulations to Gerald L. Walden, Jr. for taking on this prestigious new role!
