BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal­mart executive vice president of corporate affairs Leslie Dach, who has been credited with improving the retail giant’s corporate image, plans to step down in June.

Wal­mart executive vice president of corporate affairs Leslie Dach, who has been credited with improving the retail giant’s corporate image, plans to step down in June.

During Dach’s seven years with the company, Walmart has launched initiatives focused on such areas as environmental responsibility, health and wellness, and women’s empowerment.

Dach, who was once a strategist for the Democratic Party, says it was his decision to leave and adds that he does not yet have a new job lined up. He acknowledges that he is looking forward to travelling less — he has been commuting between his home in Washington, D.C., and Walmart’s home office in Bentonville, Ark.

"Leslie has played a pivotal role in helping us understand the broader role Walmart can play in meeting the major challenges facing society today, and social goals are now an integral part of how we run our business," chief executive officer Mike Duke remarks.

Dach joined Walmart in 2006 after working for the retailer as part of an external team from Edelman public relations. He was the first head of corporate affairs to report directly to Walmart’s CEO.

Walmart says it has started to look for a successor to continue Dach’s efforts in a variety of areas.