Myron E. Ullman III, Former Macy's and J.C. Penney Leader, Dies at 77

Myron E. Ullman III, a prominent figure in the retail industry known for his transformative leadership, passed away on August 6 in Grand Junction, Colorado, at the age of 77. His wife, Cathy Emmons Ullman, reported that he died from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other health issues while in hospice care. Ullman’s career spanned several major companies, including Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Starbucks, and LVMH, where he played pivotal roles in strategic revitalization and growth. Ullman’s impact on the retail sector was profound, particularly during his tenures at Macy’s and J.C. Penney, where he implemented significant changes that helped to modernize and reinvigorate these brands. Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, praised Ullman’s leadership style, describing him as a true servant leader who shunned the limelight while contributing immensely to the company’s success during his time as a director and chairman. Before entering the retail world, Ullman began his career at IBM as an international account manager and later served as vice president for business affairs at the University of Cincinnati, his alma mater. His journey in retail commenced in 1982 when he joined Federated Department Stores, where he quickly rose to the position of executive vice president at the Sanger-Harris department store chain in Dallas. Ullman’s legacy is marked by his commitment to leadership and innovation in retail, leaving behind a lasting influence on the industry and those who worked alongside him.