Veteran merchant named CMO at Walgreens

Walgreens named former Sam’s Club head merchant Linda Filler to the role of president of retail products and chief merchandising officer.



The hire is a positive development for Walgreens given Filler’s diverse background and accomplishments in a consumer packaged goods industry where many are more likely to recognize her by the maiden named Linda Hefner.



She most recently served as president of North America at accessories retailer Claire’s Stores and was identified at Linda Hefner-Filler when that appointment was announced in March 2013. Prior to that role, she served as executive vice president of merchandising and replenishment at Sam’s Club and went by the name Linda Hefner. After a three year stint at Sam’s Club, where she worked alongside former president and CEO Brian Cornell to deliver solid results, Filler resigned shortly after Cornell left Sam’s Club in 2012. Cornell landed briefly at PepsiCo before being named president and CEO at Target earlier this year while Filler spent about 18 months at Claire’s.



Prior to Sam’s, Filler has served as executive vice president and general manager of Walmart’s home business for two years. Prior to Walmart she served as executive vice president of global strategy and business development at Kraft Foods and prior to Kraft she held multiple positions at Sara Lee Corporation during a 14 year career.



She graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton and also earned an MBA from Harvard.