Jim Donald (businessman)

[1] Donald graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from American Century University in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

[3] In 1991, he was recruited by Sam Walton to join Walmart to lead the development of its grocery business and Superstore concept.

[citation needed] Donald left Walmart for Safeway in 1994, as senior vice president of its 130-store eastern division until 1996.

[8] During his tenure, Starbucks enjoyed record growth, including five straight years of 20%+ annual earnings increases.

[9] In 2009, in an effort to reverse its ailing fortunes, Haggen Food & Pharmacy named Donald president and CEO.

Less than a year later, the company was transformed from an organization that was weeks away from running out of cash into the business that was named America's Most Improved hotel brand.