Mariana Brugger Parkman is a leading international Human Resources executive with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. She is currently the Vice President of Human Resources and Office Services for the Walmart Apparel business in New York. She is responsible for the strategic implementation of Human Resources practices to establish the Walmart culture and contribute to making the Apparel office an enriching place to work. Prior to arriving in New York City, Mariana was on a high-profile expatriate assignment in the United States from Wal-Mart de México, serving as the Vice President of Human Resources for Northeast Division of Wal-Mart Stores, US. In that capacity, Mariana acted as the Chief Human Resources Officer for a business unit of over 160,000 associates in 575 stores, generating over $40 billion in annual sales. She was charged with developing and implementing human capital strategies that advance the sales and profitability of the Northeast Division and has championed efforts to recruit high-caliber talent and improved selection and retention processes to drive sustainable productivity in the stores. Mariana previously served as the Director of Human Resources for Store Operations in Wal-Mart de México, comprising of 140,000 associates in 600 stores, with $40 billion in annual sales. There, she led the Human Resources functions of various store formats, including four retail stores, VIPS Restaurants and Logistics. During her tenure as Director, Mariana restructured the Human Resources Department to drive distinct practices, policies and procedures in each of the various Mexican formats. She introduced innovative strategic planning processes, transitioning the Human Resources team away from its traditional transactional focus. As Director, Mariana received her certification as a Six Sigma Champion and led a small team of Black-Belts in a number of continuous improvement projects. Mariana began her career with Wal-Mart de México in 1992, with the SAM’S Club Division as a Human Resources Assistant, rising quickly up the ranks to Human Resources Manager during the organization’s high growth period. As a result of her demonstrated leadership, she was given additional Human Resources responsibilities for Wal-Mart Supercenters and Distribution. Eventually, Mariana rose to serve as the Human Resources Manager for the company’s Corporate Administrative Services Division. In 1998, Mariana was tapped to serve the Director of Human Resources for Carrefour México and assist in developing the Human Resources department from the ground up. Having successfully set up the Human Resources functions for Carrefour México, she returned to Wal-Mart de México in 2001 to redesign the Human Resources department for Store Operations. Mariana received her degree in Human Resources from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Cuidad de México, in 1990. She has continued her education throughout her career and received her Certificate in Advanced Program in Human Resources Management in 1995 from the UCLA Anderson School of Management in Los Angeles, CA. In 2004, she received certification in Management and Leadership from the Instituto Panamerico de Alta Dirección de Empresas in Cuidad de México. In 2005, Mariana was certified as a Master Black Belt and Six Sigma Champion at the Six Sigma Academy in Scottsdale, AZ. During her recent assignment in the U.S., she received her Certificate in Human Resources & Law from the Institute in Applied Management & Law in Bentonville, AR. Mariana is fluent in English and Spanish and proficient in French.