In celebration of Black History Month, CSG would like to spotlight leaders who have had an impact on their industries and the communities in which they live.

Rosalind Brewer named the new CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc

Rosalind Brewer will become the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc in March and when she assumes that mantle, she will be the only Black woman leading a Fortune 500 company. Brewer has previous CEO experience from her time at Sam’s Club and as COO of Starbucks Coffee. Brewer has had a meteoric rise through executive ranks and also serves on the board at Amazon. When she takes on her new position, she will have to use her expertise honed by navigating Starbucks through the pandemic to boost Walgreens which has struggled somewhat during COVID-19.

Marvin Ellison, CEO of Lowe’s Companies, Inc

Marvin Ellison is currently the CEO of the hardware industry giant Lowe’s Companies Inc., getting his start at rival The Home Depot Inc. and worked his way from asset protection to an Executive position. Ellison has spent his tenure at Lowe’s improving the company’s online presence and bringing them in closer competition with rival Home Depot. Before becoming the CEO of Lowe’s, Ellison was the CEO of JCPenney Company, Inc. which makes him the first Black man to lead two Fortune 500 companies.

Tim Cooper, Senior VP of Supply Chain for Walmart Stores Inc.

Tim Cooper is the Senior VP of Supply Chain for Walmart Stores Inc. He is a veteran of the United States Army and began his career with this retail giant in 1999 where he mainly worked in logistical roles. Cooper has been instrumental in overhauling their grocery delivery division in order to compete with the likes of Amazon.com Inc. and Whole Foods Market. During the pandemic, Cooper helped turn stores into micro-distribution centers and is in charge of running a new state of the art distribution facility that can process 40% more fresh and frozen foods.

Brenda J. Lauderback, Board of Directors Chairman at Denny’s Corporation

Brenda J. Lauderback is currently the Board of Directors Chairman at Denny’s Corporation. This position is her first foray into the restaurant industry, although she has extensive experience in the retail industry. Lauderback served as President of Nine West Holdings, Inc. and spent thirteen years as Vice President of various divisions of the Target Corporation. She has invaluable expertise in the retail industry by serving as an executive for over ten retail divisions including distribution, cosmetics, and apparel across multiple companies. She has been able to lend her knowledge to the operations at Denny’s where they are navigating one of their most difficult periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marion Gross, Chief Supply Chain Officer at McDonald’s.

Marion Gross is the North American Chief Supply Chain Officer for McDonald’s Corporation. Gross began her career at McDonald’s in 1986 and has been the architect behind the company’s shift to using fresher ingredients. She helped change the company’s public persona of low quality ingredients by designing a quarter pounder burger that was made with fresh beef instead of frozen. She also helped McDonald’s manage the meat shortage faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and has pushed for more innovation to prevent shortages in the future.