After graduating from Stanford University in 1983, Jeff Gennette joined the executive training program at Macy’s. He says public disapproval of homosexuality made many in the gay community wary of identifying themselves at work, especially during the AIDS/HIV crisis. Not Gennette, even after he was warned that his openness about his sexual orientation could hamper his career.
“It was a scary time to come out and be who you are,” he said. “Not seeing other gay people who were above me in rank, I knew it could potentially hold back my career. But I didn’t find that at Macy’s.”
Gennette got his start in the Macy’s men’s department on the Stanford campus. He became president of the nation’s largest department store chain in 2014 and its CEO in 2017, clearing a path through a minefield of existential threats in the retail world – online rivals, discount chains, fast fashion, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, it took decades for change at the top. Gennette says the corner closet nudged open in 2014 when Apple’s Tim Cook, leader of one of the world’s most iconic brands, declared “I’m proud to be gay.”
“What Tim Cook did was nothing short of revolutionary,” Gennette said. “A leader of his stature and the authenticity of his message were so moving to so many gay Americans and allies.”