Costco's Ron Vachris went from driving the retailer's forklifts to earning $11.5 million this year as its new CEO

• Costco president and COO Ron Vachris took over as CEO from Craig Jelinek on January 1.
• The 40-year employee started as a forklift driver at Costco's predecessor, Price Club.
• He has worked in every area of the company, and is set to earn $11.5 million as CEO.

Costco's new CEO, Ron Vachris, has worn more hats for the company than probably anyone alive. Now, he's just the third person ever to hold the top job at the wholesale club.