Stefan Persson
Former Chairman, H&M
He transformed the apparel company that his father founded into a global fast-fashion group that has made him Sweden’s richest man.
Stefan Persson took over his father’s apparel business, H&M, in 1982. Although the company went public in 1974, it is Persson who scaled the company to become the global behemoth it is today. Under his leadership, the company has grown to employ 177,000 people in over 72 countries. H&M’s revenues now exceed $22 billion.
Persson was particularly successful in pioneering celebrity and designer collaborations, bringing high fashion names to the fast fashion market. Notably, H&M has collaborated with Stella McCartney , Donatella Versace , Karl Lagerfeld , Commes des Garçons, Matthew Williamson, Lanvin, Marni, Sonia Rykiel, Maison Martin Margiela and Jimmy Choo.
He is also one of the founders of the Mentor Foundation, which fights against drug abuse among youth and has the Queen of Sweden and Queen Noor of Jordan among its trustees.
Persson stepped down as chief executive of the company in favour of his son Karl-Johan Persson in 2009, staying on as chairman of the company until January 2020.
Career History
VITAL STATISTICS
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H&M Billionaire Quietly Moves Retailer Towards Private Ownership
The Persson family, founders of H&M, are increasing their stake in the company, fuelling speculation of a potential move to take the fast-fashion retailer private despite official denials.
H&M Billionaire Quietly Moves Retailer Towards Private Ownership
The Persson family, founders of H&M, are increasing their stake in the company, fuelling speculation of a potential move to take the fast-fashion retailer private despite official denials.
Does a Prada Sale Make Sense?
The Italian brand may no longer be a luxury leader, but it is still an attractive asset for prospective buyers.
Does a Prada Sale Make Sense?
The Italian brand may no longer be a luxury leader, but it is still an attractive asset for prospective buyers.
Power Moves | H&M Announces New CEO, Levi’s Adds to Board of Directors
This week, Karl-Johan Persson steps down as H&M CEO, while Levi’s appoints a data scientist from Apple to its board.
Power Moves | H&M Announces New CEO, Levi’s Adds to Board of Directors
This week, Karl-Johan Persson steps down as H&M CEO, while Levi’s appoints a data scientist from Apple to its board.
H&M Chief Executive Steps Down, Succeeds Father as Chairman
The news came as the fast fashion retailer reported its first rise in annual profit since 2015.
H&M Chief Executive Steps Down, Succeeds Father as Chairman
The news came as the fast fashion retailer reported its first rise in annual profit since 2015.
Case Study | Inside H&M’s $4 Billion Inventory Challenge
After years of sluggish growth and shrinking profits, the fast-fashion giant's stock levels have ballooned into a $4 billion problem — a powerful reflection of the challenges facing the company, and the fashion sector at large.
Case Study | Inside H&M’s $4 Billion Inventory Challenge
After years of sluggish growth and shrinking profits, the fast-fashion giant's stock levels have ballooned into a $4 billion problem — a powerful reflection of the challenges facing the company, and the fashion sector at large.
Op-Ed | H&M Is Finally Going in the Right Direction
The Swedish retail company's stock of unsold clothes is shrinking amid recent demand increase and shares up by 25 percent.
Op-Ed | H&M Is Finally Going in the Right Direction
The Swedish retail company's stock of unsold clothes is shrinking amid recent demand increase and shares up by 25 percent.
H&M's Blowout Sales Growth Leaves Questions About Inventory
The Swedish retailer reported its fastest quarterly sales growth in three years, but analysts question how much it cut prices to get rid of excess inventory.
H&M's Blowout Sales Growth Leaves Questions About Inventory
The Swedish retailer reported its fastest quarterly sales growth in three years, but analysts question how much it cut prices to get rid of excess inventory.
H&M Sentiment Shifts as Recent Gains Erase Year's Deep Losses
Gains of 36 percent have come on the back of better-than-expected sales data for the third quarter, as well as speculation that the company may soon become private.
H&M Sentiment Shifts as Recent Gains Erase Year's Deep Losses
Gains of 36 percent have come on the back of better-than-expected sales data for the third quarter, as well as speculation that the company may soon become private.
H&M Reports Flat Sales Growth for a Second Straight Quarter
The Swedish retailer has seen sales stall, pretax profit shrink and its shares fall over the past couple of years due mainly to slowing traffic at its budget H&M brand stores.
H&M Reports Flat Sales Growth for a Second Straight Quarter
The Swedish retailer has seen sales stall, pretax profit shrink and its shares fall over the past couple of years due mainly to slowing traffic at its budget H&M brand stores.
H&M Chairman Investment Triggers Company Stock Reversal
In April alone, chairman Stefan Persson acquired about 18.2 million shares in H&M for about $278 million — but analysts remain "as bearish as ever" on the stock.
H&M Chairman Investment Triggers Company Stock Reversal
In April alone, chairman Stefan Persson acquired about 18.2 million shares in H&M for about $278 million — but analysts remain "as bearish as ever" on the stock.
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The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
