Distinguished Alumnus Award
Michael Calbert ’84 was born in San Angelo and raised in Tyler and Longview before coming to SFA by way of his older brother, Craig ’82. Calbert entered SFA as a music major. However, after taking an accounting class, he discovered his interest in public accounting and quickly changed his major to business with an emphasis in accounting. After graduating, he accepted an auditor position with Arthur Andersen Worldwide in Houston, and he later moved into the consulting practice. He graduated from the University of Houston with a Master of Business Administration and holds a certified public accountant certificate (inactive).
During his career, he served as the executive vice president/chief financial officer of Randall’s Food Markets, a $2.5 billion revenue retailer based in Texas. Calbert recently retired after a 15-year career as a partner at private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. He ran the global retail private equity practice, generating more than $30 billion in transactions during his career.
Calbert has been a member of the board of directors for Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada) and Toys ’R Us, and chairman of Academy Sports & Outdoors, Dollar General, Pets at Home and U.S. Foods. He continues to serve as chairman of the board for Dollar General. He also serves as lead director for Brookshire Grocery Company and is on the board of directors of Vestcom International and AutoZone.