Lee Scott

Lee Scott, the former president and CEO of Walmart, is currently its chairman of the executive committee of the board of directors. From 2000 to 2009, he was the company’s third CEO, following Sam Walton and David Glass. During his tenure, the company emerged as the world’s largest retailer with more than 2.1 million associates and 7,390 retail operations in 16 markets around the world. The company earned the Fortune No. 1 spot six times between 1998 and 2008 and had sales of more than $405 billion in 2009. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Scott addresses leadership, corporate culture, global business, innovation, supply chain management, sustainability, and social responsibility.

A Walmart Career. Scott joined Walmart in 1979 as an assistant director in the Logistics division, rising through the ranks to executive vice president of Logistics in 1993 and executive vice president of Merchandise in 1995. He became president and chief executive officer of the Walmart U.S. division in 1998, chief operating officer and vice chairman for the corporation in 1999, and president and chief executive officer in 2000.

Maintaining Walmart’s Values. Building on the foundation of values Sam Walton put in place, Scott made people a priority, creating an environment where diversity, innovation, and excellence could flourish. Under his leadership, Walmart assembled a strong team of leaders who transformed the business to thrive in a more complex global environment while keeping the company’s mission of “saving people money so they can live better” relevant to a changing world.

Walmart is now recognized as a vital part of the solution to the most pressing economic and social challenges. In response to the health care crisis in the U.S., the Walmart team introduced $4 generic prescription drugs and in-store health clinics. They also partnered with other employers and opinion leaders to call for major health care reform. The company also expanded its benefits and bonus program for associates. In the area of social and environmental responsibility, Walmart has emerged as a leader in sustainable practices, leveraging Walmart’s global reach in three key areas: renewable energy, zero waste and sustainable products. The company has also set aggressive goals to work with suppliers in building a more responsible global supply chain.

Before and After Walmart. A native of Baxter Springs, Kansas, Scott received his Bachelor of Science degree in business from Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kansas, and in 1995, he was named an Outstanding Alumni by the University. He has also completed the executive development programs at Penn State University and Columbia University. Lee currently serves on the boards of Fluidic Energy in Scottsdale, Arizona; Pilot Travel Centers in Knoxville, Tennessee; Goldman Sachs in New York, New York; Walmart Stores, Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas; and is an operating partner and member of the firm’s Investment Committee of Solamere Capital in Lexington, Massachusetts. Lee Scott also serves on the Senior Advisory Council for BDT Capital Partners, LLC in Chicago, Illinois.