Cole Brown New Diversity Chief for Walmart U.S.

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/6/2009 12:00:00 AM

Bentonville, Ark. —

Walmart has promoted L.Mecole "Cole" Brown to chief diversity officer overseeing strategy for Walmart's U.S. business. She succeeds Charlyn Jarrells Porter, who served in the role from 2004 and recently retired.

"As someone who has worked closely with Cole since she joined Walmart, I am proud that her hard work, leadership skills and commitment to her fellow associates has put her in the position to lead one of our company's most important efforts — becoming a best-in-class model for diversity and inclusion," said Tom Mars, executive vice president and chief administrative officer. "Under Cole's leadership, I'm confident we will accelerate and expand our continued commitment to diversity.

Brown joined Walmart's legal team in 2002 and was most recently vp of employment practices. She has held senior positions in Sam's Club and Walmart's Office of Diversity.