06/13/2016
Retail's 6 Highest Rated CEOs
For better or worse the success and/or failure of a corporation is often credited to its chief executive. Numerous metrics can be examined to gauge the relative health of an organization, but a quick look at a CEOs reputation among his/her employees is a key indicator of business success.
Tim Cook. Apple's CEO was the first retailer named to the list, finishing in 8th place overall. This is Cook's fourth time being named to the list and his highest ranking to date. Since taking over for co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs in 2011, Cook has led the manufacturer and retailer to new heights, doubling its share price and growing revenue and profits to record levels. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 96%.
Charles C. Butt. The CEO of the San Antonio-based H-E-B supermarket chain fell 16 places from his third place finish last year to claim the 19th spot overall. Among the factors that led to employee's high-ranking of Butt include flexible schedule schedules, competitive pay and raises, and the company's upward mobility corporate culture. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 95%.
Mark G. Parker. The iconic athletic shoe and apparel manufacturer and retailer continues to define the segment worldwide. The brand's commitment to its digital offerings has helped grow digital sales by 56% in Q3 2016. Parker's long-term vision for Nike's e-commerce business is $7 billion in revenue by the end of fiscal year 2020. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 94%.
Craig Jelinek. Costco's CEO finished 46th overall in the ranking, falling from his 13th place finish last year — still posting a highly desirable 92% approval rating among employees. Under his leadership Costco's profits have grown steadily over the past three years, topping out at over $15 billion in 2015. The retailer is known throughout the industry for its competitive associate wages and generous benefits package for both part- and full-time workers. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 92%.
Laurent Potdevin. Potdevin has been at the helm of yoga and fitness apparel retailer lululemon for the past two and a half years and has added a level of stability and growth following the unceremonious removal of former CEO and founder Chip Wilson. Under Potdevin's leadership the brand continues to grow revenue and profits and is the recognized leader in the high-end yoga-wear market. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 92%.
Calvin McDonald. McDonald has been the CEO and president of Sephora USA since January 2014, prior to that the industry veteran was the CEO of Sears Canada for two years. Under McDonald's leadership Sephora has emerged as a digital leader, deploying cutting-edge technology like its latest mobile app enhancement that allows users to virtually try on thousands of lipstick shades from the comfort of their own home. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 92%.
Glassdoor's annual ranking of the 50 Highest Rated CEOs across industries features six high-performing retail CEOs. The ranking was part of Glassdoor's Employees' Choice Awards, which are determined by using feedback employees shared on Glassdoor throughout the year. Current employees complete an anonymous survey that captures their overall job and company satisfaction, as well as qualitative insights into the best reasons to work at their company, along with what needs improvement.
The entire list of top performing CEOs is available here. A quick look at the six retail CEOs that made this year's ranking is below:Tim Cook. Apple's CEO was the first retailer named to the list, finishing in 8th place overall. This is Cook's fourth time being named to the list and his highest ranking to date. Since taking over for co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs in 2011, Cook has led the manufacturer and retailer to new heights, doubling its share price and growing revenue and profits to record levels. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 96%.
Charles C. Butt. The CEO of the San Antonio-based H-E-B supermarket chain fell 16 places from his third place finish last year to claim the 19th spot overall. Among the factors that led to employee's high-ranking of Butt include flexible schedule schedules, competitive pay and raises, and the company's upward mobility corporate culture. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 95%.
Mark G. Parker. The iconic athletic shoe and apparel manufacturer and retailer continues to define the segment worldwide. The brand's commitment to its digital offerings has helped grow digital sales by 56% in Q3 2016. Parker's long-term vision for Nike's e-commerce business is $7 billion in revenue by the end of fiscal year 2020. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 94%.
Craig Jelinek. Costco's CEO finished 46th overall in the ranking, falling from his 13th place finish last year — still posting a highly desirable 92% approval rating among employees. Under his leadership Costco's profits have grown steadily over the past three years, topping out at over $15 billion in 2015. The retailer is known throughout the industry for its competitive associate wages and generous benefits package for both part- and full-time workers. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 92%.
Laurent Potdevin. Potdevin has been at the helm of yoga and fitness apparel retailer lululemon for the past two and a half years and has added a level of stability and growth following the unceremonious removal of former CEO and founder Chip Wilson. Under Potdevin's leadership the brand continues to grow revenue and profits and is the recognized leader in the high-end yoga-wear market. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 92%.
Calvin McDonald. McDonald has been the CEO and president of Sephora USA since January 2014, prior to that the industry veteran was the CEO of Sears Canada for two years. Under McDonald's leadership Sephora has emerged as a digital leader, deploying cutting-edge technology like its latest mobile app enhancement that allows users to virtually try on thousands of lipstick shades from the comfort of their own home. Glassdoor Employee Approval Rating: 92%.
