Sylvia Mathews Burwell, a top official with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation until August of this year, will become the new president of the Wal-Mart Foundation, the Bentonville, Ark., philanthropy announced today.

Ms. Burwell succeeds Margaret A. McKenna, who is retiring today after four years at the foundation.

Under her leadership, the grant maker stepped up its efforts to use business expertise to advance social goals and made a high-profile, $2-billion commitment to fighting hunger.

Ms. Burwell begins at the foundation in January.

“Sylvia has proven expertise and real passion for giving people the tools they need to rise out of poverty, addressing hunger issues and promoting sustainable development,” Mike Duke, Wal-Mart’s president, said in a statement. “We are fortunate to have her in this leadership role, and her impact will be felt by the communities and people…

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