Walmart exec Graen joins Crossmark

Mike Graen has left his position as director of innovations and supplier collaboration at Walmartto assume a new role with leading merchandising and marketing services company Crossmark.

Grain will serve as managing director of the Crossmark Center for Collaboration currently under construction adjacent to Walmart’s headquarters on Southwest 8th Street in Bentonville, Ar.

Graen joined Walmart in 2010 and served as director of innovations and supplier collaboration, where among other things, he lead development of a new inventory visibility and on shelf availability initiative known as SPARC (Supplier Portal Allowing Retail Coverage) that leverages mobile technology to improve Walmart operations. Prior to Walmart, Graen spent several years as a consultant and an adjunct professor at John Brown University.

Grain also spent 25 years with Procter & Gamble, including senior leadership roles in information technology on the consumer goods company’s Walmart team.

The Crossmark Center for Collaboration is slated to open in May 2014. It is designed to provide Walmart and Crossmark clients with a convenient, state-of-the-art facility to focus on business opportunities and develop innovative ideas.