Harold Lee Scott, Jr. is an American businessman who has made a significant impact in the retail industry as the third chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. from January 2000 to January 2009. His tenure as CEO spanned nearly a decade, during which time he led the company to retain its position as the largest retailer in the world based on revenue. However, his leadership also faced growing criticism from various stakeholders due to concerns about the company's environmental footprint, labor practices, and economic impact.
Prior to his appointment as CEO, Scott joined Wal-Mart in 1979 and served as a board member since 1999. He currently holds the position of chairman of the executive committee of the retailer's board of directors. Scott's extensive experience in the retail industry has made him a respected figure in the business world.
Scott was born and raised in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Pittsburg State University. He is married to Linda G. Scott and has two children. His professional achievements have not gone unnoticed, as he was named to the Time magazine list of the hundred "most influential people" in both 2004 and 2005.
Throughout his career, Scott has demonstrated his ability to lead and manage large-scale organizations, and his contributions to the retail industry have been significant. Despite facing criticism and challenges during his tenure as CEO, Scott's legacy continues to be felt in the business world.
