Wal-Mart creates corporate affairs post in China to improve reputation

Wal-Mart Stores is assigning a veteran employee to a newly created post on the mainland, with the goal of improving the retailer's reputation after accounting, inventory and food safety missteps.

Maggie Sans has been named senior vice-president and chief corporate affairs officer in China, according to a memorandum sent by Wal-Mart to employees.

"She will be responsible for elevating our corporate reputation in China and helping shape the political environment for our continued growth," said Dan Bartlett, the executive vice-president of corporate affairs. Sans would oversee company initiatives that included food safety, sustainability and energy saving, he said.

The move is an attempt to burnish Wal-Mart's image as the retailer is struggling in the world's most populous country.

As part of the changes, Ray Bracy, the current senior vice-president of corporate affairs for Wal-Mart China, will return to the United States in the coming months. He will retire in January, according to the memorandum.

"China is a critical market for us, and we must have the right people in place to lead our organisation on the policies and regulations which allow us to operate successfully in this market," Bartlett said.