Former Walmart CEO David Glass died last week of complications from pneumonia, his family announced Friday. Glass, 84, served as Walmart’s chief executive from 1988 to 2000. He also was the sole owner of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals from 2000 until 2019.
“I am deeply saddened to learn the news of David Glass passing,” former Walmart chairman Rob Walton, son of founder Sam Walton, said in a statement released by the company. “For many years, my dad worked hard to recruit David before he joined us in 1976. Little did we know then the monumental impact he would have on us and the retail industry. David’s knowledge of the grocery industry, his financial acumen, and his embrace of technology were invaluable as we rapidly grew the business. When we lost Sam, David provided a steady, visionary hand the company needed to lead it forward. He did so with a deep sense of humility while maintaining the values and principles dad founded the company on.
“More than anyone beyond Sam Walton, David Glass is responsible for making Walmart the company it is today. On behalf of the Walton family, I want to express our appreciation for David as a leader and as a friend. He will be deeply missed.”
A native of Mountain View, Mo., Glass joined Walmart as chief financial officer in 1976. Under his watch, the retail giant expanded dramatically into international markets and new retail formats. While he was owner, the Royals won two American League pennants and a World Series title.
A memorial is scheduled for Jan. 27 at Northwest Arkansas Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement that Glass may be remembered as the most under-appreciated CEO in the history of business. “The choices he made and the results of the company reflect his wisdom, dedication and servant leadership. We will miss him immensely and are eternally grateful,” McMillon said.