Bob Connolly retired from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 2006 where he most recently served as Executive Vice-President for both Merchandising and Marketing.

In 2000 Bob was named the first Chairman of the Center for Retailing Excellence at the University of Arkansas' Sam M. Walton College for Business.  In 2005, an endowed scholarship in retailing was established in Bob's name.  Bob co-authored "The Big Middle", published in the Journal of Retailing.

Bob now works both privately and in conjunction with the Center for Retailing Excellence, consulting and advising corporations and business groups worldwide on how to take advantage of trends, business analysis from the customer's point of view, and the miracles and missteps of branding.  Bob has worked with Disney Corp, International Resources Inc., Spectra and Massmart.

Bob serves on the Board of Directors for Husqvarna in Sweden and Ascendia Brands in the United States.  He travels extensively, giving him a first-person view of the ever-changing world of the consumer.  Bob publishes a monthly newsletter at http://www.customerbob.com/

To arrange for Bob to consult with or present to your company, contact him at bob@customerbob.com

Doug Degn
Former Executive Vice President for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Douglas J. Degn was the Executive Vice President of Food, Consumables and Hardlines Merchandising for the Wal-Mart Stores Division, overseeing all food, consumables and hardlines programs for Wal-Mart stores in the United States. This includes several other key merchandise categories such as toys, electronics, sporting goods, lawn and garden, and entertainment products. Doug retired from Wal-Mart Stores in 2007.  Doug graduated from the University of Kansas in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy. As a board member of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, he serves on their Executive Committee and Board of Directors.