Wal-Mart’s New Smooth Talker

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (Bentonville, Ark.) has named Leslie Dach, a prominent Washington insider, as executive vp, corporate affairs and government relations.

Dach's responsibilities will include oversight of the company's communications and government relations, as well as the Wal-Mart Foundation, the largest corporate foundation in the U.S.

Dach, who had advised President Bill Clinton during the impeachment process, had been vice chairman of Edelman, Chicago-based public relations agency, managing its Washington, D.C., office. For the last year, he has led Edelman's team supporting Wal-Mart's corporate affairs operations. Previously, Dach has worked for the U.S. Senate, major non-governmental organizations such as the National Audubon Society and Environmental Defense, and has extensive campaign experience.

“Leslie has been a part of our transformation over the last year,” said Wal-Mart president and ceo Lee Scott. “He brings new perspective, diverse talents and tremendous expertise to his role as a member of our strategic and executive teams. I look forward to his continued involvement as we transform our business for the future.”

“Over the past year I've seen firsthand Wal-Mart's transformation on sustainability and health care and its record on economic opportunity and job creation. The changes are real and substantial steps for the business,” said Dach. “I look forward to working with Wal-Mart and its senior management to continue on its path of change.”