Popular H-E-B Food and Drug President Scott McClelland announced that he will be stepping down and retiring at the end of the year.
Unlike many high-level executives of large corporations, McClelland was well-known in pop culture due to how often he appeared as the face of the company in high-profile commercials alongside star athletes such as JJ Watt and Carlos Correa.
“People see me and start talking like I’m their long-lost friend. The thing I hear most is, ‘You’re not as fat as you look on TV,’ and ‘Your glasses make you look like a turtle.’ I know I have a face for radio, but come on. People don’t hold back saying what they think,” McClelland said.
Under McClelland’s leadership, H-E-B thrived as a company and experienced aggressive periods of growth. The company has grown to $25 billion in revenue with him at the helm.
“Under his leadership, H-E-B grew from an 11% to a market-leading 27% share by opening larger stores with a heavy emphasis on low prices, locally sourced products and tailored assortment based on the neighborhoods around each store,” according to the Greater Houston Partnership.
However, McClelland wasn’t just known for his business prowess. He shined as a prime example of an executive that gives back to the community and the city.
For JJ Watt’s Hurricane Harvey fundraiser, McClelland steered H-E-B toward a $5 million donation to help keep supplies flowing to the community during the difficult time. The company also became the sponsor of the H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade.
During the transition period, McClelland will serve on the Executive Committee as an advisor.
