A passionate leader that is committed to delivering results, serving customers and driving diversity and inclusion, Melody Richard is the Senior Vice President of Pantry for Walmart US. This includes all shelf stable grocery items including dry grocery, snacks, beverages and commercial bread. She is honored to work on such an important business that ensures our customers can Save Money and Live Better.

Prior to this role, Melody was the Merchandising VP of Pets for Walmart US. She led a cross-functional team to deliver upon pet parents needs and serve the over 70% of US households with pets. Melody joined Walmart over four years ago leading the Walmart US Baby store business.

Prior to joining Walmart, she held leadership roles at Coca-Cola for 20 years in Operations, U.S. Sales, International Commercial Leadership, and Emerging Brands. At Coke, she led the Midwest D&I Council, served as VP of Women’s LINC (associate resource group) and led the NEW (NextUp) Regional efforts.

As an industry leader, Melody serves as a newly elected board member of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) where she will represent Walmart to work with the industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply. She is heavily invested in ensuring that the Pantry Team leads the way in the industry with Walmart regeneration efforts as well.

She has been a key leader for inclusion inside Walmart as a member of Walmart Women’s Officer Caucus and Walmart Women’s Resource Group. She currently represents Walmart as Secretary on the National Board for NextUp, the leading non-profit focused on advancing all women. She was the first recipient to be awarded the NextUp National Inclusion Award.

In the local community, she has led the NWA Food Bank Jewels of Giving night, Big Brothers Big Sisters Events, The Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Co-Chair 2019, 2020 and Sip and Savor 2023, served on The Jones Center Development Council, is active with the American Diabetes Association, supports the Best Friends Pet Resource Center and will be co-chair for the American Heart Association Cycle Nation this year. Melody is committed to supporting women in the workplace, families in the community and the overall health and wellbeing of associates and customers.