Walmart’s former general counsel steps down

Walmart said Tom Mars, EVP and chief administrative officer, will leave the company effective March 13.

Mars spent 11 years with the company and served as general counsel from 2002 to 2009 when he was promoted to his current role. In his current capacity, Mars was responsible for real estate, financial services for U.S. stores and company’s shows and events team and labor relations.

"As the chief administrative officer, Tom has been accountable for business strategy alignment across Walmart U.S. including responsibility for all large events such as the Year Beginning Meeting, Holiday Meeting and Saturday Morning Meetings," Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon said in an email announcing Mars departure. "Since joining Walmart, Tom has been a champion for diversity and inclusion in every aspect of the business."

In 2007, Mars received the American Bar Association’s Spirit of Excellence award in recognition of his achievements in promoting a diverse workplace.