David L. Steward is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology (WWT), a leading systems integrator and supply chain solutions provider. Born in 1951 in Chicago, Illinois, Steward grew up in Clinton, Missouri, where he experienced poverty and segregation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Central Missouri State University in 1973.
Career Highlights
- Early Career: Before founding WWT, Steward held various positions, including production manager at Wagner Electric, sales representative at Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, and senior account executive at Federal Express, where he was recognized as Salesman of the Year in 1981.
- World Wide Technology: In 1990, Steward established WWT, which has grown into a global technology service provider with over 7,000 employees and annual revenue exceeding $13 billion.
Philanthropy and Recognition
Steward is known for his faith-based approach to business and inclusive leadership. He has been involved in various civic and community organizations, including serving on the boards of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Centene Corporation, and Webster University.
In 2014, he received the Horatio Alger Award, recognizing his personal and professional success despite adversity.
Recent Developments
As of 2024, Steward’s net worth was estimated at $11.4 billion, ranking him among the wealthiest individuals globally.
In 2023, he served as the finance chair of the “Trust In The Mission” PAC, supporting Senator Tim Scott’s Republican presidential campaign.
