Wal-mart Foundation Nabs New Chief From Gates

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation today named Sylvia Mathews Burwell president of the Walmart Foundation. She will join Walmart in January 2012 to lead the company’s charitable giving efforts and Walmart’s Global Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative. Burwell will also guide the company’s social, environmental and economic opportunity efforts in Africa.

Burwell is currently president of Global Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In her new position, she will report to Leslie Dach, Walmart’s executive vice president of Corporate Affairs.

"The Walmart Foundation is a major, strategic part of our model for making a difference around the world," said Mike Duke, Walmart president and CEO. "Sylvia has proven expertise and real passion for giving people the tools they need to rise out of poverty, addressing hunger issues and promoting sustainable development. We are fortunate to have her in this leadership role, and her impact will be felt by the communities and people we serve."  

Burwell began her work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2001 as chief operating officer and executive director. In her most recent role, she founded and led the Gates Foundation’s efforts to improve lives around the globe. Through $725 million in annual giving, Burwell’s work has focused on advocacy and grant making in areas such as agricultural development, financial services for the poor, sanitation, emergency relief and urban poverty.

Prior to joining the Gates Foundation, she held a variety of positions in Washington, D.C., including Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton and Chief of Staff to Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin.

Burwell will replace Margaret McKenna, who became president of the Walmart Foundation in 2007. McKenna announced her retirement this spring and today is her last day with the company.