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Former American Airlines CEO Tom Horton joins Walmart board

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. recently announced the appointment of Tom Horton, former chairman and CEO of American Airlines, as a new member of the company’s board.

"Tom’s management and business experience and, in particular, his roles in operational and financial management at American Airlines will bring valuable insights to the Board," said Walmart Chairman Rob Walton.

Horton, 53, has more than 30 years of business and finance experience. He joined American Airlines in 1985 from international accounting partnership firm Peat Marwick & Company, now KPMG, and continued with American until 2002, rising to the role of Senior Vice President, Finance and CFO.

He left American in 2002 for AT&T, where he served as CFO and later was appointed Vice Chairman. In 2005, Horton led the evaluation of strategic alternatives that ultimately led to the combination with SBC Communications, which formed the new AT&T.

"I’ve long admired Walmart’s values and its successful record of improving people’s lives around the world," said Horton. "Walmart has a strong leadership team backed by a solid business plan and is building new and innovative ways to serve customers. I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the Board."