Hubert Joly, a French-born business executive, graduated from HEC Paris and Sciences Po in 1983. He built a career spanning international conglomerate leadership, corporate transformation at Best Buy, and academic instruction at Harvard Business School. His work focuses on industrial management and leadership principles, marked by significant growth initiatives and recognition from major financial publications.
Early Career and Hospitality Leadership
Born in 1959 in Laxou, France, Joly completed his studies at Lycée Louis-le-Grand before attending HEC Paris and Sciences Po. Following an early tenure at Vivendi, he became the president and chief executive officer of CWT in 2004, overseeing a revenue increase from US$8.9 billion to $25.5 billion by 2007. In March 2008, he assumed the role of president and CEO at Carlson Companies, a Minneapolis-based conglomerate operating across the hospitality and restaurant sectors.
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Joly transitioned to Best Buy in August 2012, serving as CEO until 2019. He implemented the Renew Blue strategy, which emphasized price competitiveness, improved service standards, and the expansion of the Geek Squad. Under his direction, the company's stock tripled in value during 2013. He later served as Executive Chairman until 2020 and remains an advisor to the board.
Academic Contributions and Board Governance
Since June 2020, Joly has served as a Senior Lecturer of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. He is the author of The Heart of Business: Leadership Principles for the Next Era of Capitalism, released in 2021. Beyond his teaching role, he maintains active board positions at Best Buy, Johnson & Johnson, and Ralph Lauren, while continuing to serve as a member of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts board of trustees.
Professional Honors
His management career earned multiple accolades, including designations as a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum between 1997 and 1999. Barron’s and Harvard Business Review listed him among the world's best-performing CEOs in 2018. The French government recognized his contributions by awarding him the National Order of Merit and, in 2017, the National Order of the Legion of Honour.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Laxou, France
- Education: HEC Paris, Sciences Po, Lycée Louis-le-Grand
- Best Buy CEO tenure: 2012–2019
- Key Publication: The Heart of Business (2021)
- Professional Boards: Best Buy, Johnson & Johnson, Ralph Lauren
- French National Order of the Legion of Honour recipient: 2017
Questions readers ask
What is Hubert Joly's current professional focus?
He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and acts as an advisor to the board and CEO of Best Buy.
Did Hubert Joly leave Best Buy for Carrefour?
No. In 2017, Joly publicly stated he was fully committed to Best Buy's transformation and had no intention of pursuing other executive roles.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Best Buy
- Educated at HEC Paris and Sciences Po
