Walmart Foundation promotes Julie Gehrki to president

Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation for the past decade, will be chair of the Walmart Foundation Board of Directors and will continue as chief sustainability officer at Walmart.

Julie Gehrki, is now president at the foundation, having worked as vice president for the past several years. McLaughlin noted in a social media post Friday (Sept. 13) the transition was effective immediately.

“In Julie’s more than 15 years with Walmart, she has been a key leader of the company’s philanthropic efforts. She has helped shape transformative strategic giving programs and served as a trusted advisor to business colleagues on initiatives that create shared value for associates, customers, investors and communities. She brings a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector, and many of our partners already know and have enjoyed working with Julie during her tenure as vice president,” McLaughlin noted.

McLaughlin said she was grateful to Walmart and many other stakeholders for their partnership over the past 10 years.” As board chair for the Walmart Foundation, McLaughlin said she’s eager to continue working with Gehrki to make a difference for people and planet.

“Julie’s deep expertise in Walmart’s business and proven track record in strategic philanthropy will help us lead Walmart.org into the next era of helping people live better,” McLaughlin said.

Walmart.org noted on its site that McLaughlin helped redefine corporate philanthropy, taking a more strategic approach and bringing business and philanthropic initiatives together in ways that strengthen economic, societal and environmental systems.