Walmart adds Washington, D.C. litigator to legal department

Walmart Inc. has hired Kerri L. Ruttenberg to join the company’s legal department as senior vice president of litigation, effective July 1.

Ruttenberg is a partner and head of litigation for the Washington, D.C. office of Jones Day. She fills the role at Walmart created by Mike Bennett’s retirement last year. Ruttenberg will relocate to Northwest Arkansas and report to Karen Roberts, executive vice president and general counsel for Walmart.

“Kerri brings exceptional leadership capability, experience and talent to this role. We are excited that Kerri, a well-regarded litigator with first chair trial expertise, has chosen to join our team,” Roberts said in a statement.

Ruttenberg has more than 20 years of trial experience in federal and state cases across the country. She earned her Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School. She also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from American University.

“I’ve always admired Walmart for its deep-rooted culture and values and its commitment to serving customers and communities,” Ruttenberg said in a statement. “The digital transformation underway makes this an exciting time to join Walmart. I look forward to immersing in the company’s complex legal issues and working alongside a talented legal team.”