This year’s McLane Leadership in Business Award was presented to H E B in recognition of the grocery store chain’s exemplary customer service, industry leadership, and community involvement. Mr. Craig L. Boyan, the president and chief operating officer of H E B, spoke and accepted the award before a full auditorium of students, faculty, and community members on Wednesday, October 7, at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center.
The event was hosted by the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government and Public Service and began with welcome remarks from Ambassador Ryan Crocker, dean of the Bush School. Dr. Lori L. Taylor, director of the Mosbacher Institute, introduced Mr. Boyan.
Mr. Boyan began his address by acknowledging the H E B members in the audience and the deep connection H E B has with College Station and Texas A&M. Mr. Boyan spoke about H E B’s purpose and mission to be the best retailer possible in Texas by investing in the lowest possible prices, its partners and their families, and the communities they serve and help. He continued with an overview of H E B’s growth: $23 billion in total sales, 370 stores in Texas and Mexico, and 85,000 partners. He mentioned the macro-economics and public policy that shaped H E B throughout the years by examining how US productivity, debt, and GDP has affected the sales and shares in the industry. He stated that despite the competition within the industry, H E B is the lowest price guarantor, the seventh best employer to work for in the nation, and the largest philanthropic giver in Texas. He ended his remarks by presenting five key leadership lessons: 1) restless dissatisfaction, 2) be a constant student, 3) be the question, 4) capture the power of others, and 5) create purpose and passion. In addition, he stressed the importance of understanding the differences between leadership and management. The talk was followed by a conversation with Dr. Lori Taylor, who presented questions posed by the audience about the future of H E B, food waste, leadership success, and community involvement as a private firm.
The evening closed with the presentation of the award by Drayton McLane, Jr., the award’s sponsor and namesake, to Mr. Boyan, who accepted it on behalf of H E B. The award is conferred by the Mosbacher Institute and recognizes outstanding contributions in the area of business, public service, or community service.
