Walmart Hires Denise Malloy as Chief Belonging Officer; Chief Merchandising Officer Charles Redfield Steps Down
BENTONVILLE, AR - A new Chief has taken her role amongst Walmart’s ranks, and she’s wielding a new title. Denise Malloy will be succeeding Ben Hasan as the company’s Chief Belonging Officer, the new name for the Chief Diversity Officer position. With the new Chief joining, the retailer also revealed its Chief Merchandising Officer Charles Redfield will be stepping down.
Malloy previously worked with Johnson Controls, where she spent 17 years in similar leadership roles overseeing diversity and inclusion. Before that, she worked at J.P. Morgan and Xerox. Malloy began her new position on April 14, succeeding Hasan, who was the retailer’s Chief Diversity Officer for seven years.
According to Talk Business & Politics, Malloy will also work with the company’s resource groups on behalf of employees, the officer leadership caucus, and what the company calls “shared value networks” across the company. Her responsibilities would include establishing the strategy to ensure Walmart is a place where everyone feels they are welcome and belong.
Walmart said it changed the name of the position from Chief Diversity Officer to Chief Belonging Officer as part of an effort to create an environment where “belonging” is central and a core feeling for all of its 2 million employees worldwide. Walmart made the new hire public on April 7 through an internal email, continued the source.
“She will be an invaluable partner and counselor to the business as we continue our journey to ensure our people feel accepted and valued for their unique identities and skills,” the release noted.
As Malloy takes on a new role, the retailer also announced Redfield will be stepping down from his position next month.
Redfield has been with the company for 32 years, taking on a variety of roles throughout his tenure, including as top merchant for Asda, the U.K. retailer that Walmart owned at the time, and an executive for Sam’s Club.
The Wall Street Journal reported Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner said in an employee memo on Friday that Redfield will leave the role on May 1 to spend more time with his family. He will stay on as an advisor for the business.
Congratulations to Denise Malloy on the new title, and we wish Charles Redfield all the best in his next adventure.
