Michael Bender

Michael Bender is the former President and CEO of Eyemart Express, LLC, a private equity backed, 245 store chain of retail optical stores based in Dallas, Texas. Prior to taking on this role at Eyemart Express, Michael was the COO, Global eCommerce for Walmart Stores, Inc. Michael led the strategy and execution of the company’s eCommerce business around the world. Additionally, he was responsible for the integration of digital commerce into existing physical store formats. For example, in this role, Michael led the strategy, development and implementation of Walmart’s successful on-line grocery platform.

Previously, Michael served as EVP and President of the Walmart West business unit in the US and led all aspects of the company’s business in 22 states. In this role, Michael was responsible for approximately $100 billion of Walmart’s business and led a team of approximately 350,000 associates. He was promoted to the role after serving as the SVP of the Mountain Division. Michael joined Walmart in 2009 as a VP and regional general manager.

From 2003 to 2007, Michael held several executive-level roles at Cardinal Health, Inc., including President/GM of the retail and alternate care business. Michael was responsible for marketing, distribution and sales of pharmaceuticals and healthcare supplies to US pharmacies, health systems, and mail order customers.

Prior to Cardinal Health, Michael served as VP of Store Operations for Victoria’s Secret Stores. He was responsible for all aspects of the operations for 900 stores nationwide. Michael spent the first 14 years of his career at Pepsi-Cola where he held various positions in finance, operations, and sales.

Michael currently serves on the Board of Directors of Kohl’s, Inc (NYSE: KSS), Acuity Brands, Inc (NYSE: AYI), Included Health (private), Wawa (private), Flexe (private), and Spotless Brands (private). Michael is also a senior advisor at Simon Kucher, a Channel Partner with Risk International and an Executive in Residence with Wunderkind. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP) for nearly 15 years. He has served on various civic and non-profit boards throughout his career and is a current member of the Executive Leadership Council and a board member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and SeriousFun Children’s Network.

Michael graduated with a BA in economics from Stanford University and received his Masters of Management from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He and his wife, Tammy, have 2 sons: Adam, a graduate of Rice University and Ryan, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.