Walmart executive named president of the Network of Executive Women
CHICAGO Michelle Gloeckler, SVP merchandise execution for Walmart, has been elected president of the Network of Executive Women, the largest diversity organization serving the multitrillion-dollar consumer products and retail industry.
Gloeckler, who was elected at the association’s annual meeting on Sept. 27 in Charlotte, N.C., will serve as NEW president for one year. The group’s mission is to attract, retain and advance women in the consumer products and retail industries through education, leadership and business development.
“Michelle Gloeckler has experience as a senior leader on both the retail and supply sides of the industry,” said Joan Toth, NEW’s executive director. “Her passion and enthusiasm for developing women leaders, strong history of achievement in the area of diversity and inclusion, and keen dedication to our mission are all qualities we sought when choosing who will take our organization to the next level. We’re excited to have her as our leader.”
Gloeckler will help NEW advance its five strategic imperatives for 2011. The group describes those goals as “growth, superior education and networking opportunities, leadership succession planning, value to sponsors and enhanced brand equity in celebration of NEW's 10th anniversary.”
Gloeckler, a 20-year veteran of the confection industry, joined Walmart last year. She recently was promoted to SVP merchandise execution after heading up the retail giant’s confection, front-end and impulse sales. Prior to joining Walmart, she worked at The Hershey Co., where she last served as VP sales for strategic customers, responsible for more than $1 billion in the mass, drug and club channels.
“I’m honored and humbled by this appointment and look forward to advancing the good work of my predecessors,” Gloeckler said. “NEW is a vital, unique organization. Through the collective knowledge and passion of our members, we will continue to make a difference in the advancement of women leaders at all levels.”