Jeffrey J. Gearhart

Jeff Gearhart is the executive vice president and corporate secretary for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Walmart). He leads the company’s global compliance, ethics, investigations and legal functions.

Jeff joined Walmart in 2003 as vice president and general counsel, corporate division. In 2007, he became senior vice president and deputy general counsel, and then took over as the head of the company’s legal department when he was promoted to general counsel in 2009. In 2012, Jeff’s responsibilities were expanded to include oversight of compliance, ethics and investigations, as well as legal, in order to further strengthen and leverage these key disciplines around the world. Jeff has held the position of Walmart corporate secretary since 2010.

Before joining Walmart, Jeff was a partner with Kutak Rock LLP, practicing in the corporate, securities and merger and acquisitions area. Prior to that, he was a partner with the Rose Law Firm.

Jeff is currently a member of the American Bar Association, Arkansas Bar Association and the Association of General Counsel. He is also on the boards of directors of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform and the Walton Arts Center.

Jeff attended law school at the University of Arkansas. He served as an editor of the Arkansas Law Review and graduated with high honors.