The 71-year-old Walter Craig Jelinek is best known as an American businessman, president, and CEO of Costco since 2012 when he succeeded the company’s founder, James Sinegal.

Jelinek was born in Los Angeles, California on August 8, 1952, to Walter Adolph Jelinek and Erdene Gordon. His father was of Czech descent. In 1970, Jelinek graduated from Antelope Valley High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in 1975.

In 2012, Jelinek got the honor to inherit the company’s founder, James Sinegal, and officially became the Chief Executive Officer and President of Costco Wholesale Corp. Co-founder James Sinegal started the company back in 1976 together with Seattle retailer Jeff Brotman.

Why is Costco CEO W. Craig Jelinek stepping down?

Craig Jelinek is stepping down from the company after the warehouse club’s spree of pandemic- and inflation-fueled growth.

Who will replace W. Craig Jelinek?

Craig Jelinek is going to be replaced by Ron Vachris, who is the company’s chief operating officer, and the change will take effect on January 1, 2024.

Source: Ghanafuo.com