Wal-Mart's Head of Outreach to Exit

Bentonville, Ark., Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s head of outreach to environmental groups, Harriet Hentges, is leaving the company.

The former nun and conflict-resolution expert is leaving Wal-Mart just over a year after she was hired to help the world's largest retailer rally support from environmental groups and other nonprofits in its battles with union-led critics.

Hentges, who was hired in July 2006 as Wal-Mart's first “director of stakeholder engagement,” will leave Friday for personal reasons, Wal-Mart spokesman David Tovar said.

Tovar also said Wal-Mart is seeking a replacement for the same position and remains committed to working with outside groups on issues including the environment.