Rachel Brand, Sarah Friar join Walmart

On Feb. 9 Walmart announced Rachel Brand would join the company as evp for Global Governance and Corporate Secretary. Brand will report directly to President and CEO Doug McMillon and will be responsible for the organization’s Legal, Global Ethics and Compliance and Global Investigation, Security, Aviation and Travel departments, along with her role as corporate secretary. Brand is replacing Jeff Gearhart, who retired at the end of January.

“We are fortunate to have a leader of Rachel Brand’s stature join the company,” McMillon said. “We have strengthened our governance capabilities and Rachel will help us continue on that journey. Her strong character, capabilities and experience will enable her to contribute broadly as we shape the future of Walmart and strive to serve our customers even more effectively.”

Brand was the first woman Associate Attorney General with the US Department of Justice in her previous role. She will join Walmart on April 2.

A day earlier, the company announced the appointment of Sarah Friar, chief financial officer of Square as a new independent director to the company’s board, effective immediately. Friar will be the 12th member of the board and will also serve as a member of the company’s Audit Committee and Strategic Planning and Finance Committee.