John Pershing

Title: Executive Vice President, Human Capital

John Pershing is executive vice president of human capital for Best Buy Co., Inc., a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services. In this role, Pershing oversees the recruiting, training, employee relations and employee development for approximately 140,000 employees at Best Buy’s operations around the world.
 
Pershing’s 18-year journey with Best Buy began when he took a full-time position in the stores in order to support himself while earning his degree in architectural studies at the University of Wisconsin. He soon began working with mentors at Best Buy who helped unlock and guide his passion for turning concepts to real business approaches with tangible results. During his Best Buy career, Pershing has applied his passion through numerous retail positions, including district and territory support roles, field director positions, and, most recently, as vice president of organizational alignment. He was appointed to his current role in December 2007.
 
In addition to being part of Best Buy’s multinational journey, Pershing enjoys exploring the world through interesting and engaging activities. He has hiked the Inca Trail end-to-end; scaled Mount Kilimanjaro; traveled through Tanzania and Zanzibar; explored U.S. back roads during a solo, cross-country motorcycle trip; and recently studied historic preservation of Japanese Architecture in Tokyo during a trip with the University of Wisconsin.
 
Pershing is also active in his community as a volunteer and by supporting numerous nonprofit organizations. He recently completed four years of volunteering as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Minnesota.
 
Pershing holds a bachelor of science degree in architectural studies from the University of Wisconsin. He also attended the executive leadership program at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.