Hefner to lead Wal-Mart home unit

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Wal-Mart has named Linda Hefner as evp and general manager of the home business unit for Wal-Mart Stores US, the company confirmed today. She will be directly responsible for the overall home strategy, brand management, product development, and sourcing.

Hefner was most recently serving as evp of global strategy and business development for Kraft Foods. Prior to Kraft,  she held many positions at Sara Lee Corp. from 1989 to 2003. She began as a director in strategic planning and eventually served as ceo of three different divisions within the company: Sara Lee Underwear, Socks/Latin America Group; Sara Lee Underwear; and Sara Lee Hosiery.