Walmart names Allyson Park chief communications officer

Walmart Inc. has named Allyson Park its new chief communications officer and senior vice president. She is replacing Brian Besanceney, who left the company for a job working for Boeing in August 2022. Park will begin her new role on July 26 and be based in Bentonville.

Dan Bartlett, head of corporate affairs at Walmart, made the announcement in an internal email this week and shared with Talk Business & Politics by the retailer on Tuesday (July 18). Having met with professionals from a wide range of industries, Bartlett said Park and her 26 years of experience with prominent public and private companies is the right leader for the job.

Park comes to Walmart from Yum! Brands, where she was chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer for the past year. Before that, she worked as a spokesperson for Mars Wrigley, Mars Petcare and the Coca-Cola Co.

Park has previously led corporate communications, global reputation and relations and social impact. She has also served as a member of executive leadership and has strong international experience with work ranging from the UK and EU to China, India, Brazil, Mexico and Africa, Bartlett noted in the memo.