Wal-Mart names Cole Brown as chief diversity officer

Bentonville, Ark. Wal-Mart has appointed L. Mecole “Cole” Brown to serve as chief diversity officer. Brown will be responsible for the oversight and coordination of the diversity strategy for the company’s U.S. business.

Brown joined Wal-Mart’s legal team in 2002 and has held senior positions in Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart’s office of diversity. Brown was appointed to VP employment practices in August 2007.

Brown succeeds Charlyn Jarrells Porter, who served as the company's first chief diversity officer from 2004 to 2009. Porter announced her retirement in March, after more than 16 years with the company.