Thomas C. Shull

Director/Chief Executive Officer, Army and Air Force Exchange Service

Thomas C. Shull Profile

The Director/CEO

Tom Shull is Director/CEO of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange), headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The Exchange is the 47th largest retail organization in the U.S. with annual revenue of $10B, employing more than 43,000 civilians. The Exchange operates department and convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, theaters, vending and other businesses on military installations in all 50 states, five U.S. territories and more than 30 countries.

Mr. Shull is a 1973 graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He received a Master of Business Administration with honors from Harvard Business School in 1981. His military schooling included Ranger and Airborne Schools.

After graduating from the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., Mr. Shull had numerous line and staff assignments including Assistant Professor at the U.S. Military Academy and commander of a mechanized Infantry company. In his last active duty assignment, then-Major Shull was Military Assistant to Robert C. McFarlane, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.

Prior to his selection as the first civilian Director/CEO of the Exchange, Mr. Shull co-founded and served as CEO of Meridian Ventures, Inc. From 2010 to 2012, he advised numerous retail clients on improving revenue and profit.

From November 2008 to December 2009, Mr. Shull served as the court-appointed Chief Restructuring Officer of Fred Leighton, a high-end jewelry retailer in New York City. Mr. Shull was Chairman of Wise Foods, Inc., one of the nation's leading regional snack food companies, from November 2004 to February 2008. He also served as CEO from September 2004 to December 2006. From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Shull served as CEO and President of Hanover Direct, Inc., a direct marketing company.

From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Shull served as President of Barneys New York, a leading luxury retailer. Prior to that he was Executive Vice President of the R.H. Macy Company, Inc., responsible for Human Resources, Information Technology, Business Development, Strategic Planning and Merchandise Distribution.

Mr. Shull's military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Ranger Tab and Airborne Wings.

He is past Chairman of the Deafness Research Foundation, the largest private charity for funding research in the causes and treatment of hearing loss. In addition, he is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy.