Walmart Names Kathleen McLaughlin To Head Walmart Foundation

Walmart today announced that Kathleen McLaughlin, 48, has been named president of the Walmart Foundation, effective October 15.

She replaces Sylvia Mathews Burwell, who left to become Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget in April.

In addition to leading corporate giving, she will have responsibility for the company’s global sustainability, women’s economic empowerment and healthier food initiatives. McLaughlin, previously a senior partner at global consulting firm McKinsey & Company, is a dual American-Canadian citizen and was based in Toronto.

“At Walmart we feel a responsibility to lead on some of the biggest global challenges of our time,” said Mike Duke, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “We are using the size, scale and strengths of our business to make a positive impact in these areas and the Walmart Foundation plays a major strategic role in making this model work. Kathleen has a personal passion for making a difference on social issues and the business expertise to help successfully develop and implement real, long-term solutions.”

McLaughlin most recently led McKinsey’s Social Innovation Practice, where she worked with a range of businesses, NGOs and development agencies worldwide. McLaughlin also has deep experience in retail, having led more than 75 engagements with retail clients around the world.

“Kathleen has been at the forefront of innovative public-private partnerships that drive development in some of the poorest parts of the world,” said Dan Bartlett, executive vice president of Walmart Corporate Affairs. “She has also worked closely with grocers, department stores, drugstore chains and other retailers to improve their business strategy and overall performance. It is this rare combination of knowledge and experience that will enable her to have a unique impact on our business and on the communities we serve around the world.”

McLaughlin also recently completed 10 years of service on the board of the Toronto Community Foundation, including chairing the Community Initiatives Committee that oversaw initiatives and grant-making to Toronto NGOs addressing poverty, hunger, housing and immigrant integration issues.

She, her husband Tim Costigan and their three children will be relocating to northwest Arkansas.