BENTONVILLE, ARK. — Stephen Quinn, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer of Wal-Mart U.S., plans to retire effective Jan. 31, 2016, after a 10-year career with the company. Michael Francis, former c.m.o. for Target Corp., will join Wal-Mart as a consultant effective Jan. 1, the company confirmed. 

Stephen Quinn, Wal-Mart
Stephen Quinn, executive v.p. and c.m.o. of Wal-Mart

Mr. Quinn joined the company in 2005 as senior vice-president of marketing. He was promoted to his current position in 2007.

“Stephen has always advocated on behalf of our customers and has built a strong team that delivers our message to them in compelling ways,” said Deisha Barnett, Wal-Mart spokeswoman. “With responsibility for all aspects of our marketing efforts, including customer research, strategy, program development, branding and customer communication, he and his team have represented the voice of the customer.

“In 2008, he led our rebranding effort, including the introduction of our logo and tagline — ‘Save money. Live better.’ Other highlights from Stephen’s Wal-Mart career include a number of award-winning advertising campaigns, Wal-Mart’s stronger focus on reaching multicultural customers, and a digital transformation in our marketing efforts, including partnerships with Facebook, YouTube and others.”

Michael Francis, Wal-Mart
Michael Francis. new Wal-Mart consultant
Mr. Francis spent more than 20 years at Target before he left to become president of J.C. Penney Co. Currently, he is c.m.o. of DreamWorks Animation.