W. Craig Jelinek has been leading Costco Wholesale Corp as President and CEO since January 2012. He has a strong background with the company, having joined in 1984 and worked his way up through various roles over 20 years, including...
W. Craig Jelinek has been leading Costco Wholesale Corp as President and CEO since January 2012. He has a strong background with the company, having joined in 1984 and worked his way up through various roles over 20 years, including Chief Operating Officer. Craig recently announced he will step down in January 2024, but he'll stay on as an advisor and board member. His leadership has been tied to Costco's impressive growth, with a total compensation of over $166 million in 2022 fueled by performance-based stock rewards. Notably, he personally holds 225,308 shares of Costco, valued at over $147 million as of 2023. This alignment of his wealth with company performance has been a hallmark of his career. Under his guidance, Costco has thrived, offering significant shareholder returns and maintaining a focus on value that resonates with its millions of members. Craig's legacy includes a distinct focus on executive accountability, ensuring that rewards match company performance and encouraging a long-term vision for success.