Michael Byron

Michael Byron serves as the Program Director at The Conference Board where he leads the Supplier Engagement Leadership Council. He was a council member for more than a decade before he became program director.

As the former Head of Supplier Inclusion and Development for Walmart Inc. He was responsible for leading Walmart’s national Supplier Inclusion Program, which was designed to enhance its purchasing activities and long-term relationship with small and diverse owned businesses. He had responsibility for leading Walmart’s critical initiative to source $20 billion in goods and services with Women-Owned Businesses over a five-year period, which culminated in 2016. The company exceeded the goal by $1 billion.

Michael led a team of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Professionals at Walmart who supported $126 billion in direct and indirect economic impact with small and diverse owned businesses over a 10-year period culminating in 2022.

Prior to joining Walmart in 2012, Michael served as Vice President of Supplier Diversity at SUPERVALU, Inc., a U.S. wholesale / retailer.

While at the company, Michael increased the number of small and diverse suppliers and grew their program to nearly a billion dollars over a five-year period.

In addition, Michael worked at Albertsons, a U.S. grocer, as Corporate Merchandising and Operation Executive, directly impacting the bottom line through strong business aptitude and visionary leadership. Michael and his team increased market revenue significantly by launching innovative merchandising strategies within the retail industry. As a result, in 2002 Michael was recognized by Supermarket News Magazine as one of the Top 50 Fresh Department operators in the U.S.

Michael has received numerous personal and professional awards for his work in retail, advancing supply chain inclusion, and community impact.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, Business Management from University of Phoenix, and earned Executive Management Certifications, in Retail Merchandising, Operations, and Leadership from Cornell University.