Who Is James Sinegal? Age, Biography and Wiki
James Sinegal, born on January 1, 1936, is an influential American businessman and co-founder of Costco Wholesale Corporation. He has played a pivotal role in reshaping the retail industry with his innovative business strategies and commitment to customer service. With a robust career spanning several decades, Sinegal has become a prominent figure in the business world, cementing his legacy through Costco's impressive growth and success.
In 2025, Sinegal is 89 years old, embodying a wealth of experience that has contributed to his reputation as a revered business leader.
| Occupation | Executives |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1936 |
| Age | 89 Years |
| Birth Place | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
James Sinegal's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact statistics on Sinegal's height and weight are not widely available, he is known for his approachable demeanor and down-to-earth personality. His physical presence is complemented by his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, which he values as essential for longevity in both personal and professional realms.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
James Sinegal has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to his public business persona. He has been married to his wife, Jan, for many years, and the couple shares a deep bond built on mutual respect and support. While there are no widely reported details about any current or past relationships outside of his marriage, Sinegal’s focus on family remains a significant aspect of his life.
Sinegal was a protégé of Sol Price, widely considered to be the "father" of the "warehouse club" concept. Most if not all of Sinegal's business philosophy can be attributed to Price; Sinegal has said that he "learned everything" from Price.
Sinegal is known for a benevolent style of management rooted in the belief that employees who are treated well will in turn treat and serve customers well. Sinegal, through Costco, provided his employees — at every level of the company, including the stores — compensation and benefits that are much higher than retail industry norms.
For example, over 90% of Costco employees qualify for employer-sponsored health insurance; the US retail industry average is just under 60%. As a result, Costco has one of the lowest employee turnover rates in retail. In 2006, Costco's turnover rate was 17% overall and 6% after one year of employment.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, James Sinegal's net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion. His financial success can be attributed to his significant stake in Costco, which has continued to thrive and expand globally. With his hands-on approach in the early days and strategic decisions throughout his career, Sinegal's earnings reflect his visionary leadership in the retail industry.
In 1993, when growing competition threatened both Price Club and Costco Wholesale, Sinegal was invited to a partial merger. The two companies entered into a partial merger just after Price's earnings dropped by 40%.
The new company, named PriceCostco, Inc., focused heavily on international expansion, opening stores in Mexico, South Korea and England. Despite best efforts to recover losses, sales continued to drop. Robert Price and James Sinegal had different opinions regarding company direction and recovery policies.
A breakup between the companies was formally announced in 1994. Price's breakaway company was named as Price Enterprises. Sinegal still continued to manage PriceCostco, Inc.
Career, Business and Investments
Sinegal co-founded Costco in 1983, with a mission to offer wholesale prices to consumers. Under his leadership, Costco grew from a single warehouse in Seattle into one of the largest and most successful retailers in the world, known for its high-quality products and customer-centric policies.
Beyond Costco, Sinegal has been involved in various business ventures and investments, often focusing on companies that align with his values of efficiency and value for customers. His contributions to the retail sector have garnered numerous accolades and cemented his legacy as a pioneer in the industry.
James D. Sinegal (born January 1, 1936) is an American businessman, co-founder and former CEO of the Costco Wholesale Corporation, an international retail chain. He served as Costco's president and CEO from 1983 until 2011.
As CEO of Costco, Sinegal was known for his hands-on humanitarian approach to business, which he learned from his mentor, Sol Price. He prioritised customer and employee satisfaction over shareholder interests and is also known for his philanthropic efforts.
Social Network
James Sinegal is not particularly active on social media. His preference for privacy and focus on business matters over personal publicity has kept his public appearances limited. His legacy is primarily carried through Costco and the impact he has made in the business world rather than through social media channels.
Education
Sinegal attended San Diego State University, where he earned a degree in business administration. His educational background provided a strong foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures, equipping him with the skills necessary to succeed in retail and business management.
James D. He attended St. Lawrence O'Toole primary school, Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh), and Helix High School in La Mesa, California, and he earned an AA at San Diego City College in 1955. He attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959.
