Costco Wholesale Corporation, the world’s third-largest retailer and largest membership warehouse club, was led by W. Craig Jelinek as CEO from January 2012 to January 2024. As only the second CEO in Costco’s history — succeeding co-founder James Sinegal — Jelinek grew the company’s revenue from $97 billion to over $240 billion, expanded from 608 to 875+ warehouses worldwide, and maintained Costco’s legendary employee-first culture and low-margin, high-volume business model throughout his tenure.
(Suggested: Walmart CEO Email & Net Worth – Doug McMillon Salary)
Craig Jelinek – Quick Facts
Craig Jelinek Net Worth 2026 – Costco CEO Salary
As of 2026, W. Craig Jelinek’s net worth is estimated at approximately $375 million, primarily based on his substantial Costco stock holdings accumulated over 40 years with the company. According to SEC filings, Jelinek owns approximately 382,439 shares of Costco Wholesale Corp (COST), which at current share prices are valued at over $377 million.
During his final full year as CEO in 2023, Jelinek received total compensation of approximately $16.9 million, which was 336 times the median Costco employee pay that year.
Craig Jelinek Compensation Breakdown (2023 – Final Year)
Career & Education – Company, University, & College
W. Craig Jelinek’s career in retail spans over five decades, beginning with a part-time job as a food stocker at FedMart during high school. His rise from entry-level worker to CEO of the world’s largest warehouse club is one of the most remarkable career stories in American retail history.
Craig Jelinek Career Timeline
Jelinek started as a part-time food stocker at FedMart during high school in the early 1970s — the same company where Costco co-founder Jim Sinegal also began his retail career under Sol Price. Over 12 years at FedMart, Jelinek rose to operations manager for the Los Angeles division before the chain closed in 1982.
After a two-year stint at Gemco department stores, Jelinek joined Costco in 1984 as a warehouse manager. He opened the company’s sixth location in Tukwila, Washington, and played a key role in expanding Costco into Nevada and California. By 1992, he was Senior Vice President of Operations for the West Coast.
Following the Price Club merger in 1993, Jelinek managed the Northwest Region. He was promoted to Executive Vice President of Merchandising in 2004, joined the board of directors in 2010, and became President that same year. When founder Jim Sinegal retired in January 2012, Jelinek became only the second CEO in Costco’s history.
(Related: Target CEO Email & Net Worth – Brian Cornell Salary)
Education
Craig Jelinek – Key Achievements as Costco CEO
During his 12-year tenure as CEO (2012–2024), Craig Jelinek delivered remarkable results for Costco shareholders, employees, and members:
- Revenue Growth: Grew Costco’s annual revenue from $97 billion (2012) to over $240 billion (2023), a nearly 150% increase
- Store Expansion: Expanded from 608 warehouses to 875+ locations across 14 countries
- Membership Growth: Grew Costco’s membership base to over 130 million cardholders worldwide
- E-Commerce: Built Costco’s online business from minimal presence to a significant revenue contributor
- Employee Advocacy: Championed raising Costco’s minimum wage to $16/hour (2021), well above the federal minimum and competitors like Walmart and Amazon
- Stock Performance: Costco’s stock price increased from ~$80 to over $700 during his tenure, delivering extraordinary shareholder returns
- $1.50 Hot Dog: Maintained Costco’s iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo price despite inflation, telling a CFO who suggested raising the price: “If you raise the effing hot dog, I will kill you”
Costco Competitors
Costco Wholesale operates in the membership warehouse club and retail industry. Key competitors of Costco include:
- Walmart / Sam’s Club – World’s largest retailer; Sam’s Club is the direct warehouse club competitor
- BJ’s Wholesale Club – U.S.-based warehouse club chain
- Amazon – E-commerce giant competing on convenience and pricing
- Kroger – Largest U.S. supermarket chain by revenue
- Target – Major general merchandise and grocery retailer
- Aldi – German discount grocery chain with growing U.S. presence
- Trader Joe’s – Specialty grocery retailer known for private-label products
- Lidl – German discount grocery chain expanding in the U.S.
Costco CEO Email Address | Craig Jelinek Contact
Below are the contact details for former Costco CEO Craig Jelinek and the company’s current leadership:
Craig Jelinek Wiki – Age, Family, & Personal Life
W. Craig Jelinek was born on August 8, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. He is currently 73 years old. Raised in Lancaster, California, Jelinek graduated from Antelope Valley High School in 1970 before attending San Diego State University.
Family Background
Jelinek was born to Walter Adolph Jelinek and Erdene Gordon. His father, of Czech descent, was involved in the aerospace industry, contributing to the manufacturing of B-70 and B-1 bombers during the Cold War era. Craig was married to Mary Jelinek, who passed away on March 6, 2023, after an 18-month battle with ovarian cancer. The couple has two children, whose identities remain private.
Despite leading a Fortune 20 company, Jelinek was known for his low-key, unpretentious style — consistent with Costco’s no-frills culture. He regularly visited warehouses, maintained close relationships with store employees, and was widely respected for his hands-on management approach.
About Costco Wholesale Corporation
Costco Wholesale Corporation is the world’s third-largest retailer and the largest membership-only warehouse club, headquartered in Issaquah, Washington. Founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman in Seattle, Washington, the company operates on a low-margin, high-volume business model that offers members access to deeply discounted bulk goods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the current CEO of Costco?
The current CEO of Costco is Ron Vachris, who assumed the role on January 1, 2024, succeeding Craig Jelinek. Vachris started at Costco as a forklift driver in the 1980s and is only the third CEO in the company’s history.
Why did Craig Jelinek leave Costco?
Craig Jelinek retired from Costco on January 1, 2024, after 12 years as CEO and 40 years with the company. It was a planned succession. He announced his retirement in October 2023 and handed the reins to Ron Vachris, who had been serving as President and COO.
What is Craig Jelinek’s net worth in 2026?
Craig Jelinek’s net worth is estimated at approximately $375 million as of 2026, primarily from his Costco stock holdings of approximately 382,439 shares of COST stock.
What was Craig Jelinek’s salary at Costco?
In his final year as CEO (2023), Craig Jelinek earned total compensation of approximately $16.9 million, including a $1.1 million base salary and approximately $15 million in stock awards. His pay was 336 times the median Costco employee salary.
What is Craig Jelinek’s email address?
Craig Jelinek’s corporate email at Costco was [email protected]. The Costco corporate headquarters phone number is +1 (425) 313-8100. For investor relations, contact [email protected].
How many Costco stores are there?
Costco operates over 890 membership warehouses worldwide across 14 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and more.
Article last updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: All information presented in this article has been compiled from publicly available sources, including SEC filings, official company press releases, proxy statements, and reputable news outlets. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.