Wal-Mart Names Former Edelman Exec to Top Corporate Affairs Post
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Leslie Dach, former vice chairman of Edelman Worldwide, will join Wal-Mart Stores here in late August as e.v.p. of corporate affairs and government relations. Dach's appointment marks the first time Wal-Mart's communications director will report directly to the company's top executive.
Dach, 52, will report to Wal-Mart's president and c.e.o. Lee Scott, and will serve as a member of the company's executive committee.
Dach told The Associated Press that he was taking the job to help continue Wal-Mart's transformation, amid pressure from critics. "I've seen their commitment to making improvements in health care, to leading on sustainability, to creating jobs, and that's what's been persuasive to me. I believe the company is changing and the change is real."
Dach's responsibilities will include oversight of the company's communications and government relations, as well as the Wal-Mart Foundation, the largest corporate foundation in the United States.
"Leslie has been a part of our transformation over the last year," said Scott. "He brings new perspective, diverse talents and tremendous expertise to his role as a member of our strategic and executive teams. I look forward to his continued involvement as we transform our business for the future."
Prior to joining Wal-Mart, Dach was vice chairman of Edelman, one of the world's largest global public relations and strategic communications firms. In that capacity, he managed the company's Washington office, its global public affairs, crisis and technology practices, and its research and advertising companies. For the last year, he has led Edelman's team supporting Wal-Mart's corporate affairs operations.
Dach has worked for the U.S. Senate, major non-governmental organizations such as the National Audubon Society and Environmental Defense, and has extensive campaign experience. He serves on the board of directors of the National Audubon Society and the World Resources Institute.
Dach, 52, will report to Wal-Mart's president and c.e.o. Lee Scott, and will serve as a member of the company's executive committee.
Dach told The Associated Press that he was taking the job to help continue Wal-Mart's transformation, amid pressure from critics. "I've seen their commitment to making improvements in health care, to leading on sustainability, to creating jobs, and that's what's been persuasive to me. I believe the company is changing and the change is real."
Dach's responsibilities will include oversight of the company's communications and government relations, as well as the Wal-Mart Foundation, the largest corporate foundation in the United States.
"Leslie has been a part of our transformation over the last year," said Scott. "He brings new perspective, diverse talents and tremendous expertise to his role as a member of our strategic and executive teams. I look forward to his continued involvement as we transform our business for the future."
Prior to joining Wal-Mart, Dach was vice chairman of Edelman, one of the world's largest global public relations and strategic communications firms. In that capacity, he managed the company's Washington office, its global public affairs, crisis and technology practices, and its research and advertising companies. For the last year, he has led Edelman's team supporting Wal-Mart's corporate affairs operations.
Dach has worked for the U.S. Senate, major non-governmental organizations such as the National Audubon Society and Environmental Defense, and has extensive campaign experience. He serves on the board of directors of the National Audubon Society and the World Resources Institute.