Sam’s Club Names Hefner EVP

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club here said it has named Linda Hefner executive vice president of merchandising and replenishment, effective May 15, with responsibility for merchandising strategy, product development, and sourcing.

She will report to Brian Cornell, president and chief executive officer of Sam's Club. Hefner spent 18 years in the packaged goods industry with Sara Lee Corp. and Kraft Foods before joining Sam’s Club’s parent company, Wal-Mart Stores, in 2007. She currently is executive vice president and general manager of the home-goods business at Wal-Mart U.S.

"Linda has a wealth of experience and successes across key and diverse merchandise categories that will complement the team's focus on quality and value," said Cornell, in a prepared statement. "In addition, her perspective on the consumer packaged goods industry, keen marketing insights and deep understanding of consumer needs will augment the strengths of the Sam's Club senior leadership team."

At Kraft Foods, where Hefner worked immediately before joining Wal-Mart, Hefner was executive vice president of global strategy and business development. She spent 14 years at Sara Lee before that, including several leadership roles in the company’s apparel businesses.

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