Walmart corporate affairs head steps down

NEW YORK — Walmart's EVP corporate affairs, Leslie Dach, is stepping down in June.

"Leslie has played a pivotal role in helping us understand the broader role Walmart can play in meeting the major challenges facing society today, and social goals are now an integral part of how we run our business," Wal-Mart chief executive Mike Duke in the memo.

Dach, a former Democratic Party strategist, has been responsible for public policy, government relations, corporate communications and sustainability initiatives. He led efforts to improve Walmart's image through a range of environmental, anti-obesity and other initiatives. Dach joined Wal-Mart in 2006 after leading an external team from public relations giant Edelman that helped to handle the company’s corporate affairs.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Dach, who commutes between Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., and his home in Washington, D.C., said that it was his decision to leave and that he first approached Duke a few months ago about it. He said that Duke asked him to stay on for a few months to help with the transition.