Retail conglomerates, Walmart Inc. and the Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. are making significant changes to their in-house legal teams as they head into the new year.
Walmart recently hired Elisebeth “Beth” Collins, an ex-lawyer for Boeing Co. and Caterpillar Inc., who recently held the role of general counsel for World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. This appointment came as the retail giant was also promoting Julie Kass, a former Big Law practice leader, to the role of chief counsel for its health and wellness unit.
Furthermore, Chalana Damron, a previous senior counsel and regulatory lead for Albertsons Cos. Inc., was welcomed into Walmart as their lead counsel for regulated product claims and advertising.
Walmart’s reshuffling comes as they grapple with retirements, including those of former general counsel Karen Roberts and head of litigation Kerri Ruttenberg. The company is yet to announce Ruttenberg’s replacement.
Meanwhile, Walgreens announced the departure of its chief legal officer Danielle Gray following a recent reshuffle at the top. Matthew D’Ambrosio, a global chief compliance and ethics officer at Walgreens, has been assigned as the interim legal chief as the company seeks a permanent successor for Gray.
These shifts occur against a backdrop of significant developments in the legal landscape of these retail behemoths. They recently agreed to a settlement amounting to over $13 billion to resolve thousands of opioid-related lawsuits. The allegations pinned the pharmacy owners for mishandling powerful painkilling medication.
These changes illustrate a dynamic legal environment within these multinational retail corporations as they navigate complex regulatory and legal obstacles.