Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> June 7, 2001

Michael Potter – Big Lots, Inc. (bli)

MICHAEL J. POTTER is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Big Lots, Inc., a leading retailer of closeout merchandise. Mr. Potter joined Big Lots in 1991 as Vice President and Controller and was later promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In 1998 he became Executive Vice President and assumed additional responsibilities for Distribution and Information Services. In August 2000 he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Big Lots, Mr. Potter was Store Controller for The Limited, Inc., in Columbus, Ohio; Director of Accounting for May Department Stores Company in Los Angeles, California; and Director of Advertising and Accounting for Meier & Frank, a division of May Department Stores in Portland, Oregon. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Finance from the University of Oregon and a Master of Business Administration, graduating with Distinction, from Capital University. Mr. Potter was honored in 1999 by his alma mater, Capital University, with its MBA Alumni of the Year Award. The award is given annually to an MBA graduate who has made significant achievements in his or her career, significant service to society and/or significant contributions to the university. Profile
TWST: Can we start with a quick overview of Big Lots, Inc.?

Mr. Potter: Big Lots, Inc. was formed in 1967. We've been in the retail

business since the early 1980s and have grown our sales to