Sarah George: Holding the Keys to the Club
As the chief operating officer and EVP of merchandising at Costco, Sarah George is the most important brand-facing decision maker at one of the most powerful – and unique – consumer products retailers in the world. George came straight out of the food space, where she oversaw merchandising and buying for foods and sundries. With that background, in that lofty position, George’s decisions are going to impact any food brand that wants to win “in the club.” Costco is typically one of the last brushstrokes for brands’ portraits at scale, which means that George’s plans can add or subtract decimal figures to any valuation.