Rosalind Brewer earned a chemistry degree from Spelman College before building a career at Kimberly-Clark, developing deep operational and manufacturing expertise before moving into senior retail leadership roles.
In 2012, Brewer became CEO of Sam's Club, a division of Walmart, becoming the first Black woman and first woman ever to lead a division of the retail giant, overseeing significant operational modernisation during her tenure.
Brewer went on to serve as Chief Operating Officer of Starbucks, one of the highest-ranking executive roles at the company, before being appointed CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance in 2021, becoming one of a very small number of Black women ever to lead a Fortune 500 company.
Brewer has continued to be recognised as one of the most senior and influential Black women in American corporate leadership, having held top executive positions across three major national companies.
- First Black woman and first woman to serve as CEO of Sam's Club
- Chief Operating Officer of Starbucks
- CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, one of the largest pharmacy retailers in the world
- One of a very small number of Black women to lead a Fortune 500 company
- Built a career spanning manufacturing, retail and pharmacy industry leadership
- Operational expertise can build toward top executive leadership. Her manufacturing background at Kimberly-Clark preceded her rise through retail leadership.
- Firsts can occur repeatedly across a career. She broke barriers at Sam's Club and again as one of few Black women Fortune 500 CEOs.
- Cross-industry experience strengthens executive versatility. Her path spanned manufacturing, retail and pharmacy leadership.
- Sustained achievement across multiple companies builds a defining career. Her leadership at three major national companies reflects consistent excellence.