Kathleen McLaughlin: Leading Sustainability and Philanthropy at Walmart

Snapshot

Kathleen McLaughlin serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Walmart Inc., where she oversees initiatives aimed at creating economic opportunities, enhancing supply chain sustainability, and fostering resilient communities. She also holds the position of President of the Walmart Foundation, guiding the company’s philanthropic efforts.

Early Life and Education

McLaughlin earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Boston University. She furthered her education at Oxford University, obtaining a Master of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Balliol College, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. Additionally, she holds a diploma in theology from Oxford.

Career

Before joining Walmart, McLaughlin worked in various roles that combined business strategy with sustainability. At Walmart, she has been instrumental in integrating sustainability into the company’s core operations and philanthropic activities. In 2024, she transitioned from her role as President of the Walmart Foundation to become the Chair of its Board of Directors, while continuing her work as Chief Sustainability Officer.

Sustainability Highlights and Focus

Under McLaughlin’s leadership, Walmart has achieved significant milestones in sustainability:

Project Gigaton: Launched in 2017, this initiative aimed to eliminate one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from Walmart’s global value chain by 2030. By February 2024, the company had already met this goal, six years ahead of schedule. 

Philanthropic Contributions: In 2023, Walmart surpassed $1.4 billion in global giving, including $1 billion in food donations, reflecting McLaughlin’s commitment to leveraging business resources for social good.

Supply Chain Sustainability: McLaughlin has been pivotal in enhancing the sustainability of Walmart’s supply chains, focusing on responsible sourcing and reducing environmental impact.

Looking Ahead

As Chair of the Walmart Foundation Board of Directors and Chief Sustainability Officer, McLaughlin continues to drive initiatives that integrate sustainability into Walmart’s operations and philanthropic endeavors. Her leadership is expected to further Walmart’s role in promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility within the retail industry.