Michael Ross, Outstanding Alumni Award

After graduating from WMU’s food marketing program with his Bachelor of Science degree, Michael Ross began his career at the Grand Rapids-based D&W Fresh Market, where he spent 12 years in various leadership positions within merchandising, store operations and marketing.

In February 1998, Ross joined Meijer as director of quality assurance, overseeing quality for all Meijer brand food, general merchandise and softline categories. In 2001, Ross was selected as director of e-commerce, leading the company’s first entry into online sales of general merchandise. Three years later, Ross assumed the role of senior director of marketing strategy, where he led all marketing functions and was responsible for leveraging customer purchase and behavior information to increase sales and customer loyalty.

Ross was promoted to his current position as vice president of marketing, pricing and consumer insights in January 2008. Responsible for all aspects of marketing, consumer insights and price strategy for the company, Ross and his team have played a key role in integrating technology to increase the level of sophistication within the retailer’s marketing and customer loyalty efforts. These efforts have included the launch of the company’s successful mPerks digital coupon program and the Meijer “find it” smartphone application. 

Meijer, celebrating 70 years, is a family owned and operated grocery and general merchandise retailer with 162 stores throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.

Ross currently serves on the WMU Food Marketing Advisory Board, among several other community leadership boards.