Walmart exec Thorne to head NRF's communications, public affairs

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 4/24/2012 11:18:11 AM

Washington D.C. -- The National Retail Federation has appointed Walmart executive Bill Thorne as the association's senior vice president of communications and public affairs.

Beginning June 1, Thorne will oversee NRF's industry and public affairs communications strategy, including its Retail Means Jobs campaign, a multi-million-dollar initiative to demonstrate the power of retail to America's economy and the career opportunities within the industry.

Thorne currently serves as senior director, community affairs, at Walmart Corporation.

During his tenure at Walmart, Thorne has overseen the creation and execution of campaigns for urban market entry, including budgets, strategy, and planning and development of both long- and short-term campaigns. He also served as the company's senior director of advocacy outreach, and is credited with having created and successfully launching Walmart's Corporate, Public, and Political Advocacy Network.

Prior to Walmart, Thorne served as vp at DCI Group, where he led grassroots advocacy, public relations, and communications programming for a number of prestigious corporate and association clients. He also spent four years as director of political and legislative grassroots at the American Medical Association.

Earlier in his career, Thorne worked in various political capacities at the state and national levels including several years with the National Republican Senatorial Committee and more than five years with U.S. Senator Phil Gramm.