DEERFIELD, Ill. — Kathleen Wilson-Thompson has been named senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Walgreen Co., and Charles Greener has been appointed vice president of corporate affairs and communications, a newly created position at the retailer.

Plans call for both executives to join the company on January 4, Walgreens said on Monday.

Wilson-Thompson, 52, currently serves as senior vice president of global human resources at Kellogg Co., where she also is a member of the executive global leadership team. At Walgreens, she will be responsible for the strategy and delivery of all human resources-related activities. 

Starting at Kellogg in 1992 as a senior attorney, Wilson-Thompson has held positions as corporate counsel, human resources manager, and vice president and chief counsel for labor and employment, according to Walgreens. She has been in her current position at Kellogg since 2005, and Black Enterprise magazine named her to its 2009 list of "The Top 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America."

"Kathleen is an experienced leader who will ensure we have a world-class human resources function for our company," Walgreens president and chief executive officer Greg Wasson said in a statement. "She has the background, transformational skills and leadership ability that are consistent with the dynamic change and momentum we have established at Walgreens. She’s also known for her measured approach, unwavering integrity and strategic perspective on business issues."

Greener, 55, comes to Walgreens from Fannie Mae in Washington, D.C., where he served as chief communications and marketing officer. At the drug store chain, he will oversee all government affairs, community relations and corporate communications activities.

He joined Fannie Mae in 2001 as senior vice president of communications and, during his tenure there, served as chief of staff to the CEO and was promoted to his current role in 2008. Over the past year, he has managed the communications and marketing outreach efforts related to Fannie Mae’s role as program administrator of President Obama’s housing relief plan, Walgreens said.

Before joining Fannie Mae, Greener was a regional director and general manager at global public relations leader Porter Novelli from 1995 to 2001. His background in politics includes roles as director of communications for the Republican National Committee from 1993 to 1995, special assistant to the president for legislative affairs in the Reagan administration and chief of staff for Rep. Bob McEwen (R., Ohio).

"Chuck is a seasoned public affairs and communications executive with a track record of success," Wasson commented. "He’s an inclusive leader who brings out the best in his staff and is known for his strategic vision. I’m looking forward to the wealth of experience, strategic ideas and leadership that Chuck will bring to Walgreens."