Building a high performance team of supplier diversity professionals is one of many achievements Michael Byron can claim as the senior director, supplier diversity at Walmart. He established a robust score card and set of metrics for merchandising teams and was instrumental in Walmart being honored in 2012 and 2013 as one of Americas Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises by WBENC. Michael patiently and persistently educates suppliers and internal business owners about the value of an inclusive supply chain and proves that value by providing quantitative and qualitative facts.

Michael relies on a broad set of activities to reach a direct and indirect spend total of over $12 billion with women-and minority-owned companies. He created a solid goal setting and reporting process, established an internal council, created and promoted a supplier diversity brand, and built trust and credibility with peers and constituents. Michael also leveraged technology to create educational tools for suppliers and internal business owners and maintains a robust website with current information.

Favorite Quote:

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” - Martin Luther King Jr.

  Back to list