Marvin Ellison
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of Lowe’s
Marvin Ellison is the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. boasting over 1,700 stores and approximately 300,000 associates nationwide. He is the only African American to hold the positions of Chairman and CEO at two Fortune 500 companies. Before joining Lowe’s, he spearheaded a successful turnaround as Chairman and CEO of J.C. Penney Co.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family that valued hard work and education, Marvin Ellison was instilled with the principles of perseverance and excellence from an early age. His parents, John and Mary Ellison, provided a supportive environment in which Marvin thrived. He pursued his education with determination, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from The University of Memphis. His thirst for knowledge led him to further his studies, culminating in an MBA from Emory University.
Early Career
Marvin’s journey in the retail sector began with a 15-year tenure at Target Corp., where he held various operational and leadership positions. His commitment to excellence and innovative thinking caught the attention of industry leaders, leading to his transition to The Home Depot. Over 12 years with The Home Depot, Marvin honed his expertise in the home improvement industry, notably serving as Executive Vice President of U.S. stores. His tenure was marked by significant improvements in customer service and operational efficiency.
Current Position and Achievements
In a historic move, Marvin Ellison became the only African American to hold the positions of Chairman and CEO at two Fortune 500 companies. Before joining Lowe’s, he spearheaded a successful turnaround as Chairman and CEO of J.C. Penney Co., where he achieved positive sales growth and financial stability. Since taking the helm at Lowe’s, Marvin has continued to drive innovation and growth, solidifying the company’s position as an industry leader.
Marriage and Mission
Marvin is married to his devoted wife, Sharyn, with whom he shares a commitment to faith, family, and community service. Together, they prioritize supporting religious and philanthropic organizations that promote higher education, self-empowerment, and excellence, particularly among minority youth.
Marvin Ellison has made significant contributions to various organizations, serving on the board of directors for Lowe’s, FedEx Corporation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the National Retail Federation. Additionally, he plays a vital role as a member of the board of trustees for the University of Memphis.
Accolades and Recognition
Marvin R. Ellison’s outstanding leadership and achievements have garnered widespread recognition. He was honored by Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders in 2016 and received the prestigious 2016 Corporate Executive of the Year award from Black Enterprise.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Ellison is deeply committed to philanthropy. He actively participates in initiatives aimed at revitalizing inner-city schools and mentors programs designed to empower and uplift inner-city youth. His dedication to giving back to his community underscores his belief in the power of education and mentorship to effect positive change.
Marvin Ellison’s unwavering dedication to excellence, coupled with his commitment to community service, continues to inspire and uplift those around him, leaving an indelible mark on both the business world and society at large.