Walmart hires Denise Malloy as chief belonging officer 

Walmart has hired Denise Malloy as the company’s new chief belonging officer. She will begin in the job on April 14 and succeeds Ben Hasan, who was the retailer’s chief diversity officer for 7 years.

Walmart said it changed the name of the position from chief diversity officer to chief belonging officer as part of an effort to create an environment where “belonging” is central and a core feeling for all of its 2 million employees worldwide. Walmart made the new hire public on April 7 through an internal email.

Malloy previously worked with Johnson Controls, where she spent 17 years in similar leadership roles overseeing diversity and inclusion. Before that, she worked at J.P. Morgan and Xerox.

Walmart said Malloy’s responsibilities would include establishing the strategy to ensure Walmart is a place where everyone feels they are welcome and belong.

“She will be an invaluable partner and counselor to the business as we continue our journey to ensure our people feel accepted and valued for their unique identities and skills,” the release noted.

Malloy will also work with the company’s resource groups on behalf of employees, the officer leadership caucus and what the company calls “shared value networks” across the company.