Former Walmart executive Tom Coughlin dead at 66

Longtime Walmart executive Tom Coughlin, an inspirational leader who played a key role in Walmart’s growth but left the company amid scandal in 2005, passed away on April 1.

Coughlin joined Walmart in 1978 and held a variety of roles at the company, ultimately ascending to the role of vice chairman. During his 26 year career, Coughlin influenced a generation of leaders at the company and played a pivotal role in executing Walmart’s operational strategies that led to dramatic growth throughout the 80’s and 90’s. His otherwise remarkable career ended in an unseemly manner in 2005 when Coughlin was embroiled in a scandal. A contentious Walmart investigation determined he had misappropriated company funds which resulted in Coughlin pleading guilty to tax evasion and wire fraud changes and being subject to house arrest due to his failing health.

Despite the scandal, Coughlin had many ardent supporters who continued to value his perspective on Walmart and the growth challenges the company faced in the years following his departure. He and his wife Cynthia continued to reside in Northwest Arkansas and were active in the community and the retail industry. Just three months earlier in mid-January, Coughlin had attended the National Retail Federation convention in New York City.

His contributions to Walmart and status in the company’s lore were such that current Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon released a statement late Friday.

“Like me, many of you worked with Tom over his more than 26 years with the company," McMillon said. “I know firsthand how much he loved our associates and this company."

For more on Coughlin’s life and career, here’s what Reuters, The Wall Street Journal and Coughlin’s hometown newspaper, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, had to say.