Marybeth Hays, Global Business Executive and University Trustee, to Keynote School of Business Hooding Ceremony
Marybeth Torbet Hays, a Wake Forest University Trustee and veteran global retail executive, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Wake Forest School of Business Graduate Hooding Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16, at 9:30 a.m. in Wait Chapel on the university’s Reynolda Campus.
This special event honors master’s degree recipients in management, accountancy, business analytics, and business administration, marking the completion of their graduate studies.
“I am deeply honored to be with fellow Wake Forest business school graduates and their families and friends on this joyous occasion,” said Hays, a “Double Deac” who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University. “My own journey taught me that business is a powerful vehicle for the greater good, and I look forward to welcoming these graduates into our alumni community as they continue their professional pursuits.”
“We are privileged to have Marybeth Torbet Hays address our graduates,” said Stacie Petter, Acting Dean of the School of Business. “As a University Trustee and a highly experienced global executive, Marybeth embodies our mission to develop leaders who navigate challenges with purpose and integrity. Her career and her commitment to Pro Humanitate serve as a powerful example for our students.”
A noted product and consumer expert, Hays currently maintains a portfolio career as a corporate board member and consultant following more than 25 years in the retail and consumer products sectors. She serves on the board of directors for Reckitt Benckiser, a UK-based $12 billion global provider of health, hygiene, and nutrition brands, as well as Leapfrog Brands, Decowraps, and AMS Retail Solutions. Since 2019, she has served as a senior advisor with Kearney and leads her own firm, Hays Advising, providing strategic insights to global clients.
Her professional career is highlighted by a decade of executive leadership at Walmart Stores, Inc. from 2009 to 2019. Known for her positive leadership style, she held several high-level roles, most recently as Executive Vice President of Consumables and Health & Wellness for Walmart U.S., where she managed an $85 billion portfolio and 65,000 associates. Her leadership spanned global markets, including serving in China as the expatriate Chief Merchandising, Marketing, and Supply Chain Officer for Walmart China. She also held Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager roles at both Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club. Prior to her tenure at Walmart, Hays spent eight years at Lowe’s Home Improvement as a Merchandising Vice President, providing strategic leadership for multi-billion dollar divisions.
A dedicated leader within the Wake Forest community, Hays is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and currently serves on the School of Business Board of Visitors, having previously led the BoV as its first female Chairperson from 2020-2022. She has been recognized by Mass Market Retailer as one of the most influential women in retailing.
Hays attended Wake Forest University, earning a bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies and an MBA. She received her undergraduate degree cum laude and completed her MBA with distinction.
A livestream of the hooding ceremony will be available. More information can be found at commencement.wfu.edu.
