Diversity & Inclusion

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday named Steve Pemberton the company’s divisional VP of diversity and inclusion, becoming the company’s first chief diversity officer.

By Lindsey Lanzisero, [email protected] and Craig Rowley, [email protected]

It takes a special type of person to work at Walmart, according to chief information officer Rollin Ford, who told those assembled at the company’s shareholders’ meeting that customer service is in their DNA.

Ford, a 28-year Walmart executive, was called into service for a brief presentation at the meeting to recount his experience of working at Walmart while founder Sam Walton was still alive, since most of the thousands of store associates and many of the executives who attended the event joined the company after Walton death nearly 20 years ago.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — After nearly four hours of music, cheering, celebrity appearances and brief presentations by senior executives, Wal-Mart Stores president and CEO Mike Duke wrapped up the company’s annual shareholders’ extravaganza Friday morning by sharing five priorities associated with serving what he called the next generation of customers.

ATLANTA — Customer service, glue traps and corporate democracy were among the issues on the table at a wide-ranging Home Depot annual shareholders meeting in Atlanta Thursday.

 Home Depot’s shareholders approved the company's recommendations for its board of directors and executive pay structure. And it defeated a shareholder proposal regarding shareholder control of corporate political gifts.

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New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores on Friday morning kicked off its annual shareholders meeting in Fayetteville, Ark., by announcing a $15 billion stock buyback.

Among the early speakers was Doug McMillon, chief of Wal-Mart Stores' international division, who told the audience that the chain is building sales around the world by using the same retailing style that company founder Sam Walton developed.

NEW YORK — Macy's has announced a number of initiatives in support of LGBT pride month this June. 

Macy's "Pride and Joy" campaign will feature a multitude of in-store fashion events, commemorative advertising and window displays, pride merchandise in select stores, gift registry booths for couples in key cities, celebrity appearances, as well as sponsorship and employee participation in pride parades across the country.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings has announced the winner of its "Tu Empresa, Tu Futuro/Your Company, Your Future Business" grant competition, which provides grants to Hispanic small business owners.

The four $5,000 grants were awarded to:

• Tayde Aburto, The Hispanic Chamber of E-Commerce

• Jennifer Burrell, The Frock Shop

• Elizabeth Tarpley, Targeted Tech Solutions

• Kristen Harris, Party Palette

Leader footwear retailer Brown Shoes Company officially has a new president and CEO following its annual shareholders’ meeting. Diane Sullivan was named to both roles back in January, but the company implemented the change gradually as Sullivan assumed responsibilities from Ronald Fromm, who will continue to serve as chairman of the company best known for its Famous Footwear and Naturalizer store banner.