Editorial

W. Joe DeMiero, Interim Chief Marketing Officer at Sam’s Club

If you could attribute one other person or life event to your success, who or what would it be and why?


Without question, my dad, Frank DeMiero, who passed away on February 19th. His influence on my life and leadership philosophy has been profound. As a renowned music educator, he didn’t just teach music — he built communities, nurtured talent, and created spaces where people felt seen and valued. My dad showed me the power of leadership that’s rooted in authenticity, passion, and an unwavering belief in people. His ability to elevate others and create opportunities where none existed has shaped how I approach leadership, talent development, and building teams — and how I aspire to be a dad to our six-year-old son.

What is the number one quality you look for in talent?


I look for intellectual curiosity — people who are relentlessly interested in learning, who are excited about the possibility of doing something that might not succeed on the first try, and who recognize that being wrong is just the first step in growing. The best talent isn’t just technically proficient; they have an innate drive to seek out new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and push boundaries. Curiosity fuels adaptability, and in an industry that’s constantly evolving, a growth mindset and adaptive capacity are more valuable than any single skill set. When someone is curious, they ask better questions, uncover deeper insights, and bring fresh energy to solving problems.

What are you most proud of in the last 12 months? Or, what milestones do you most look forward  to over the next 12 months?

Over the past year, I’ve been incredibly proud of the momentum we’re building at Sam’s Club. The business is thriving, growing faster than ever, and proving that when you have a clear vision, the right strategy, and a challenger mindset, you can redefine expectations — even in the most competitive categories. As we look ahead, we have an enormous opportunity to ignite that challenger brand spirit and ensure that Marketing evolves to be an accelerant of that ambition, driving deeper differentiation, stronger emotional connections with our members, and a more distinct, ownable presence in the market.

By Sasha The Mensch