Jim Sinegal, is the co-founder and director of Costco Wholesale Corporation. He retired Dec. 31, 2012, and is currently serving as a company advisor. He served as the chief executive officer of Costco Wholesale Corp. for 27 years and has been a director of Costco Wholesale Corp. since its inception.

Sinegal began his career in retail business in 1954. As an 18-year-old college student, he went to work for the legendary retail icon Sol Price at the discount store FedMart in San Diego. He worked for Price for almost 30 years, before striking out on his own to start Costco.

Costco today has revenues in excess of $100 billion and operates 649 warehouses/stores in 42 states, Puerto Rico and nine countries. The company employs more than 194,000 people worldwide and has earned a reputation as a fair and progressive employer.

Sinegal serves as a trustee for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. He is a senior executive in residence at Seattle University's Albers School and serves in a similar capacity at his alma mater, San Diego State University. He also serves as an advisory at the Mendoza School of Business for Notre Dame.