Michael A. Byron

Michael Byron, Senior Director, Supplier Inclusion, Walmart Inc.Michael A. Byron
Senior Director of Supplier Inclusion
Walmart, Inc.

He is responsible for leading the company’s national supplier inclusion initiatives, which are designed to enhance its purchasing activities and long-term relationships with women and diverse owned businesses. He and his team had responsibility for leading the company’s critical initiative to source $20 billion with women-owned businesses over a five-year period, which culminated in 2016 where they exceeded the goal by $1 billion.

Michael’s team managed Walmart’s 2019 direct and indirect spend of $15 billion with approximately 2,800 Diverse Owned businesses. Under Michael’s leadership, Walmart has been recognized for providing the best opportunities to woman-owned and multicultural businesses.

Prior to joining Walmart in 2012, Byron served as Vice President of Supplier Diversity at SUPERVALU, Inc., a U.S. wholesale and retail grocer with annual sales of $44 billion and 180,000 employees. While at SUPERVALU, Michael increased the number of diverse suppliers by 5 to 10% annually and added $425 million in supply chain spending with diverse owned businesses.

In addition, Michael worked at Albertsons, a U.S. grocer, as the Corporate Merchandising and Operations Director, directly impacting the bottom line through strong business aptitude and visionary leadership. Michael and his team increased market revenue significantly by launching innovative merchandising strategies within the retail industry. As a result, in 2002 Michael was voted by Supermarket News Magazine as one of Top 50 bakery operators in the U.S.

Michael is consistently recognized as a passionate collaborator, speaker, and panelist for his business acumen as a former retail and operation’s leader. He’s received numerous personal and professional awards for his work in business and advancing supply chain inclusion.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Executive Retail Management and Leadership Certifications from Cornell University and University of Phoenix.