BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Cindy Davis has been designated executive vice president of global consumer insights at Walmart.

She will be responsible for helping both Walmart and Sam’s Club understand broad consumer trends, providing insight into customers’ needs around the world and creating advanced analytical tools to support the business.

Davis reports to Brian Cornell, president and chief executive officer of the Sam’s Club ­division.

“Cindy is uniquely suited to lead the development of our new world-class global customer insights team,” Cornell says. “She is a leader that understands the importance of putting the customer at the center of everything we do and the power insights can have on business decision making.

“She has demonstrated an ability to build teams and capabilities that deliver business performance today while preparing us to capitalize on our business potential for the future,” he notes.

Davis joined Sam’s Club in October 2007 as senior vice president of membership and marketing, where her focus was overall strategy, brand development and membership ­innovation.

In August 2008 she was named executive vice president, adding the e-commerce function to her responsibilities.

“One of the greatest benefits of being a global organization is the opportunity to share best practices and talent across each of our divisions and around the world,” notes Davis. “Understanding customer insights enables us to focus on what our customers want and make informed decisions throughout the organization.”