BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores here said Sylvia Matthews Burwell has been named president of the Walmart Foundation, effective in January.
She will lead the company's charitable giving efforts; oversee its Global Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative; and guide its social, environmental and economic opportunity efforts in Africa.
Burwell succeeds Margaren McKenna, who is retiring today, though she will consult with the company through the leadership transition. McKenna has been president of the Walmart Foundation since 2007.
Burwell is president of global development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is dedicated to improving lives around the world. She was previously deputy director in the Office of Management and Budget; deputy chief of staff to President Bill Clinton; and chief of staff to treasury secretary Robert Rubin.
