Wal-Mart’s U.S. Administrative Chief Stepping Down
by February 28, 2013 11:29 am 89 views
Tom Mars, chief administrative officer for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and its general counsel during an investigation into bribery allegations in Mexico, will leave his post March 13.
Wal-Mart confirmed the move Thursday to Reuters after it was reported by the Wall Street Journal. The retailer gave no reason for Mars’ exit.
As the company’s general counsel from 2002 to 2009, Mars was involved in the internal investigation of possible bribery at its Mexican division. Company emails released by members of Congress earlier this year include one from Mars to current CEO Mike Duke in 2005 with a memo summarizing the allegations, the Journal reported.
Mars, who joined Wal-Mart in 2002, currently oversees real estate, financial services, labor relations, and the shows and events department.
Mars moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1988, where he practiced commercial litigation for 10 years, according to his profile on Wal-Mart’s corporate website. He then served for three years as director of the Arkansas State Police.
From 1986 to 1988, he was an associate of the Rose Law Firm, working for Hillary Clinton in the firm’s litigation section.