Walmart Appoints Erin Nealy Cox as Chief Legal Officer, SEC Sees Leadership Changes

Walmart has named Erin Nealy Cox as its next Executive Vice President of Global Governance, Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and Corporate Secretary, effective April 13, 2026. The appointment comes amidst other leadership shifts at prominent organizations including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), PNC Financial Services, and TD Bank Group.

Erin Nealy Cox Joins Walmart

Cox transitions to Walmart from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where she was a partner in the Government, Regulatory & Internal Investigations Practice Group. Walmart President and CEO John Furner highlighted Cox’s experience in demanding environments, emphasizing her combination of legal strategy and operational rigor as crucial for navigating the evolving retail landscape.

Prior to her role at Kirkland & Ellis, Cox served as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, leading investigations and prosecutions related to white-collar crime, national security, cybercrime, and public corruption. She also chaired the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee. Before that, she was an Executive Managing Director at Stroz Friedberg, a cybersecurity and risk management firm. Governance Intelligence reports her extensive background positions her well for the role.

Cox resigned from the Sally Beauty Board on March 12, 2026, to accept the position at Walmart. TradingView noted the resignation was part of her transition to Walmart.

Leadership Updates at SEC, PNC, and TD Bank

The SEC is also experiencing leadership changes. Judge Margaret Ryan resigned as Director of the Division of Enforcement after seven months, with Principal Deputy Director Sam Waldon appointed as acting director while a permanent replacement is sought. Governance Intelligence reports Ryan’s departure followed a statement on refocusing the division on investor protection.

PNC Financial Services Group appointed Deborah Hope Wedgeworth as Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, effective October 1, 2026. She will report to Chief Regulatory Officer John Wixted and oversee corporate compliance risk management strategies.

TD Bank Group appointed Bindu Cudjoe as General Counsel, Canadian Banking. Cudjoe previously held roles at Bindustries Consulting, Laurentian Bank, Canadian Western Bank, and BMO Financial Group.

Other Leadership Changes

Nine Energy Service’s EVP, General Counsel, and Secretary, Theodore Moore, resigned to accept a position at another company. NextEra Energy’s EVP and Chief Risk Officer, Terrell Kirk Crews, is also stepping down to grow a Chief Financial Officer elsewhere.