Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has appointed former president and chief operating officer of US retailer Dollar General Lawrence Jackson to head its HR division.
As head of HR, Jackson will have a responsibility for the retailer’s army of 1.5 million employees worldwide, including staff at UK supermarket chain Asda.
Jackson, who replaces Coleman Peterson, will report to chief executive officer Lee Scott
Scott said: “Our company is experiencing a time of tremendous growth and we need a strong leader like Lawrence to guide us through all the challenges that brings.”
Jackson is likely to play a key role in defending Wal-Mart against a high-profile gender bias lawsuit in the US.
About 1.6 million current and former female employees claim the firm paid them less than their male colleagues. They also allege that they were passed over for promotion in favour of male employees.
