Wal-Mart names new corporate affairs chief

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Dan Bartlett, 41, will become the company’s new executive vice president of corporate affairs in late June. 

Bartlett was most recently president and CEO of the U.S. arm of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a global business advisory firm serving corporations, non-profits and associations in 52 countries. Prior to that he was a counselor to President George W. Bush.

Bartlett will report to Mike Duke, Wal-Mart’s president and CEO, and will serve as a member of the company’s executive council. His responsibilities will include oversight of external communications, government relations and sustainability, as well as the Walmart Foundation, which contributed more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year.

“Corporate affairs plays a strong role in helping us meet our business objectives at Walmart,” said Duke. “The team also helps us step up to the broader role we can play in meeting some of the biggest social challenges in the world today – issues like fighting hunger, job creation, sustainability, women’s economic empowerment and the availability of healthier food.”

Duke added, “Dan’s personal integrity, strong professional skills and broad understanding of world affairs make him the ideal leader to continue moving us forward. He has had key roles in government and at a major communications company. 

Barlett has also counseled a wide range of multinational corporate clients in areas such as growth strategy, crisis management and public opinion. He is known for being straightforward, a good listener and collaborative – all traits that will serve him well at Walmart, Dude noted in the release.

“Growing up in a small Texas town, I've seen first-hand the opportunity Wal-Mart provides and the positive impact it can have on local communities,” said Bartlett. “Now Wal-mart is in a unique position to make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world. I am honored and excited to be part of that.”     

At Hill+Knowlton, Bartlett helped lead the firm’s international growth and managed its day-to-day operations. He provided strategic counsel to the company’s largest accounts, which represent key industries, including finance, telecommunications and defense. He has also helped multinational companies and NGOs build and align their sustainability, public policy and philanthropic programs.

Bartlett’s work with President George W. Bush included all aspects of the president’s strategic communications planning, formulation of policy and implementation of the president’s agenda. He also oversaw the White House press office and the offices of communications, media affairs and speechwriting and global communications. Bartlett also played a key role in George W. Bush’s presidential and Texas gubernatorial campaigns.

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas at Austin and is an adjunct professor at the university’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

Bartlett, his wife Allyson and their four young sons will move to Northwest Arkansas.