Brad Anderson
Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Best Buy

As a vice chairman and chief executive officer of Best Buy, Brad Anderson leads more than 105,000 employees throughout North America with the credo that champions the ongoing development of leaders at all levels within the enterprise in order to germinate new ideas and drive and sustain the company’s growth and success.

A lifelong audiophile, Mr. Anderson joined the company in 1973 as a commissioned salesman at the fledgling Sound of Music, a small chain of stereo stores that was the precursor to Best Buy. Within weeks of joining the company, Mr. Anderson was ready to quit because he had not made a single sale. Then he discovered the power of asking the right questions and truly listening to the customer’s answers. He became a successful sales person and eventually was named store manager.

Brad Anderson was named vice president in 1981, and worked closely with Best Buy founder Dick Schulze on all of the major strategic initiatives that transformed and grew Best Buy, including the move to a non-commissioned store staff and the decision to let customers browse for themselves in warehouse-style stores.

In 1986, Mr. Anderson was promoted to executive vice president and was elected to Best Buy’s Board of Directors. In April 1991, he was promoted to president and chief operating officer. He was named vice chairman in 2001 and in june 2002 assumed the position of chief executive officer. Mr. Anderson is guiding Best Buy thought another transformation- from a product-centric company to one that is talent-powered and customer-driven.

Anderson’s charitable and volunteer efforts are highlighted by his participation on the boards of the American Film Institute, the Best Buy Children’s Foundation, the International Mass Retail Association, Minnesota Public Radio, and National Junior Achievement. He also serves on the Waldorf College Board of Regents.

Anderson and his wife, Janet live in Minneapolis.