Walgreens Names Kathleen Wilson-Thompson Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer; Charles V. Greener Named Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walgreens (NYSE:WAG)(NASDAQ:WAG) today announced the appointment of two new executives. Kathleen Wilson-Thompson has been named senior vice president and chief human resources officer, and Charles V. Greener has been named to the new position of vice president of corporate affairs and communications. They will join the company on Jan. 4.

“He’s an inclusive leader who brings out the best in his staff and is known for his strategic vision. I’m looking forward to the wealth of experience, strategic ideas and leadership that Chuck will bring to Walgreens.”

Wilson-Thompson, 52, will be responsible for the strategy and delivery of all human resources related activities at the nation’s largest drugstore chain. She is currently senior vice president of global human resources at Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), where she is also a member of Kellogg’s executive global leadership team.

“Kathleen is an experienced leader who will ensure we have a world-class human resources function for our company,” said Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson. “She has the background, transformational skills and leadership ability that are consistent with the dynamic change and momentum we have established at Walgreens. She’s also known for her measured approach, unwavering integrity and strategic perspective on business issues.”

Wilson-Thompson joined Kellogg in 1992 as a senior attorney. She has held positions as corporate counsel, human resources manager and vice president and chief counsel for labor and employment. In 2005, she was named to her current position which includes responsibility for all human resource efforts throughout Kellogg’s global organization.

Her efforts to transform the company’s HR strategy led to Kellogg becoming a finalist on Hewitt’s 2009 “Top 20 Companies for Developing Leaders” list. Also, Black Enterprise magazine named Wilson-Thompson to its 2009 list of “The Top 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America.”

“Kathleen made many excellent contributions throughout her 18 years of service with Kellogg,” said David Mackay, President and CEO, Kellogg Company. “Through their work, she and her team have advanced our HR strategy and people programs to a new level. She will truly be missed.”

Wilson-Thompson received her bachelor of arts degree in English literature from the University of Michigan in 1979, a juris doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1982 and master of laws degree in corporate and finance law, also from Wayne State, in 1996. She was an attorney in private practice and for corporations before joining Kellogg.

Greener, 55, joins Walgreens from Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) in Washington, D.C., where he served as chief communications and marketing officer. At Walgreens, Greener will oversee all government affairs, community relations and corporate communications activities.

“Chuck is a seasoned public affairs and communications executive with a track record of success,” said Wasson. “He’s an inclusive leader who brings out the best in his staff and is known for his strategic vision. I’m looking forward to the wealth of experience, strategic ideas and leadership that Chuck will bring to Walgreens.”

Michael J. Williams, President and CEO of Fannie Mae said, “Chuck has been an important part of Fannie Mae’s executive team over the years, and his contributions to the company have been invaluable. Chuck brought strategic vision, dedication and a great deal of integrity to his leadership of our Communications and Marketing division, and we will miss working with him.”

Greener joined Fannie Mae in 2001 as senior vice president of communications. During his tenure, he also has served as Chief of Staff to the CEO and was promoted to his current role as Chief Communications and Marketing Officer in 2008, where he has been responsible for government relations, community giving, strategic communications, marketing, investor relations and corporate events. Over the past year, Greener has managed the communications and marketing outreach efforts related to Fannie Mae’s role as program administrator of President Obama’s housing relief plan.

Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Greener was a regional director and general manager at global public relations leader Porter Novelli from 1995 to 2001. Among the clients he served was the Health Benefits Coalition, a group of all managed care companies at that time.

Greener’s background in politics includes roles as director of communications for the Republican National Committee from 1993 to 1995, special assistant to the President for legislative affairs in the Reagan Administration and chief of staff for U.S. Representative Bob McEwen (R–Ohio).

Greener earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind., in 1976. He was a featured lecturer at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and at George Washington University. He has been a member of the board of trustees of the National Childhood Cancer Foundation, the Children’s National Medical Center and the Fannie Mae Foundation.

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation’s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2009 sales of $63 billion. The company operates 7,105 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and services and cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services in America through its retail drugstores, Walgreens Health Services division and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. Walgreens Health Services assists pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefit manager), Walgreens Mail Service Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc., Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC and SeniorMed LLC (a pharmacy provider to long-term care facilities). Walgreens Health and Wellness division includes Take Care Health Systems, the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.