John G. Morikis

John G. Morikis
Elected in 2018
Retired
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Bio
John G. Morikis retired as Executive Chairman of The Sherwin-Williams Company, a $23.1 billion global leader in the paint and coatings industry, on December 31, 2024, capping a distinguished 40-year career with the company. He served as Executive Chairman beginning in January 2024 and as Chairman since January 2017. Mr. Morikis joined Sherwin-Williams in 1984 as a management trainee in the Paint Stores Group. Over the next four decades, he advanced through key leadership roles, including Division President and Group President. From 2006 to 2016, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer before being appointed Chief Executive Officer, a position he held for eight years. As CEO, Mr. Morikis led Sherwin-Williams through a strategic transformation that strengthened its market leadership and positioned the company for long-term success. He spearheaded a company-wide overhaul to differentiate Sherwin-Williams from industry commoditization by emphasizing world class talent, breakthrough innovation, customer-driven solutions, and a focus on value-added products and services. Under his leadership, the company expanded its global presence to 123 countries, optimized its supply chain, and invested in technology to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency. These efforts reinforced Sherwin-Williams’ competitive edge, culminating in its inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and further solidifying its status as a global industry leader. Beyond Sherwin-Williams, Mr. Morikis serves on the Board of Directors of General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS), United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) and as Chairman of the Board of Directors for University Hospitals Health System, Inc. He is also a past director and former Chair of the Policy Advisory Board at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and a past director and former Chair of the Cleveland American Red Cross. Additionally, he previously served as a director of Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. (NYSE: FBIN).
With extensive experience leading a highly complex, multinational organization, Mr. Morikis has deep expertise in global operations, supply chain optimization, acquisition integration and business transformation. His ability to anticipate industry shifts, harness technology, and drive innovation has empowered organizations to navigate evolving market dynamics and consumer demands, resulting in strengthened performance and market positioning. His strategic mindset and operational discipline have been key drivers of success in the businesses he has led, enabling them to achieve significant growth and excel in competitive markets. Mr. Morikis earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Psychology from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and a Master’s Degree in Business from National Louis University in Evanston, Illinois.