Rosalind G. Brewer, a pioneering businesswoman, has broken barriers throughout her illustrious career, becoming the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company and holding executive roles at major corporations like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, and Walgreens Boots Alliance. With a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, Brewer has used her platform to drive change, championing racial equality and empowering marginalized voices in corporate spaces. Her legacy as a leader, advocate, and trailblazer continues to inspire future generations of women and people of color in business.

Early Life and Education

• Completed executive programs at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Stanford Law School, and The Wharton School.
• Born in 1962 in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest of five children.
• First generation in her family to attend college.
• Graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1980 and went on to Spelman College, earning a degree in chemistry.
• Initially aspired to become a physician but pivoted to a career in business.

Career Trajectory

• Kimberly-Clark (1984-2006)
  • Started as a research technician at Kimberly-Clark in 1984.
  • Progressed into leadership roles, including market manager and director for Skincare.
  • By 1998, became the global president, overseeing operations and manufacturing for the company.
  • Spent 22 years at Kimberly-Clark, shaping the company’s global strategy and operations.
• Walmart and Sam’s Club (2006-2017)
  • Joined Walmart in 2006, taking on leadership roles such as Vice President and Executive Vice President for Southeastern Operations.
  • Became the President of Walmart East, overseeing major operational regions.
  • In 2012, became the CEO of Sam’s Club, marking a historic moment as the first Black person to lead a Walmart division.
  • Focused on expanding health and wellness offerings, including organic products, during her time at Sam’s Club.
• Starbucks (2017-2021)
  • Joined Starbucks in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer and Group President.
  • Became the first Black woman to hold such a high-ranking position at Starbucks.
  • Led operations across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, implementing new operational standards and strategies to improve the company’s performance.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance (2021-2023)
  • Appointed as the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance in March 2021, making history as the first woman and only Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company.
  • Despite facing challenges, including a significant stock decline in 2023, Brewer made lasting contributions to the company’s growth and strategic direction during her two-year tenure.

Advocacy and Recognition

• Advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively promoting racial equity in the workplace.
• Led initiatives at Starbucks after nationwide protests, including racial bias training for 8,000 stores.
• Recognized on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list and Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.
• Awarded the Spelman College Legacy of Leadership award and inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

Honors and Recognition

Brewer’s exceptional career has earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in corporate America. In 2020, Fortune ranked her 27th on its list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, while Forbes placed her 48th. She was also named to the inaugural Forbes 50 Over 50 list, celebrating entrepreneurs and leaders over the age of 50. Brewer’s accomplishments were further recognized when she was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2021 and named one of USA Today’s Women of the Year in 2022.

Personal Life

Rosalind Brewer is married to John Brewer, and together they have two children. Brewer has maintained a strong balance between her demanding career and her personal life, often emphasizing the importance of family in her success.

Legacy and Impact

Throughout her career, Brewer has broken barriers as a trailblazer for women and Black executives. From her historic roles at Sam’s Club, Starbucks, and Walgreens Boots Alliance to her ongoing advocacy for diversity and inclusion, Brewer’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. With an unwavering commitment to empowering others and using her platform for positive change, she has left an indelible mark on corporate America and continues to inspire future generations of leaders.