Our Trustees

Michael Gould
Trustee

Michael Gould, often referred to as one of the most accomplished and recognized leaders in American retailing, became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bloomingdale’s in November 1991.  His tenure has seen the greatest period of transformation and growth in the store’s history, expanding from 16 units located mainly in the east, to a broad national brand presence with 41 stores in 18 major markets from coast to coast and the launch of bloomingdales.com.  In 2010, Gould led the brand to its first global expansion into Dubai in addition to the first foray into the outlet business with four openings on the East Coast.

Mr. Gould received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University in 1966 and continued there to earn a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Business.  It was a summer internship program during his MBA studies that afforded Gould his first retail experience.  A brief summer stint at Abraham and Straus in New York was enough to inspire him to seek a retail career; and in 1968, Gould entered that store’s Executive Training Squad as an assistant buyer in decorative home furnishings.  He soon became the company’s youngest merchandise vice president.

In 1978, Mr. Gould was named Senior Vice President of J.W. Robinson’s in Los Angeles, responsible for men’s, children’s, juniors, moderate sportswear and home furnishings.  Within two years he was appointed Executive Vice President of merchandising and sales promotion.  In 1981, he became J.W. Robinson’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  Subsequently, he also became a member of the Board of Directors for Associated Dry Goods. In 1986, he was tapped as President and Chief Operating Officer of Giorgio Beverly Hills.  When Avon Products purchased the company in 1987, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer, and remained there until joining Bloomingdale’s.

Mr. Gould divides his spare time among a number of important affiliations, serving on: the Board of Trustees of Lenox Hill Hospital and of The Allen Stevenson School; the Board of Overseers of Columbia University Graduate School of Business; and the Board of Trustees of Central Synagogue.  He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The American Jewish Committee.

Over the years, Mr. Gould has received numerous awards for distinguished service from many organizations, universities and industry associations, along with a variety of cultural and philanthropic groups.  While he remains personally and professionally committed to these activities, his children always come first; and as such, is intensely proud of being recognized by the Father’s Day and Mother’s Day Council as the 1999 National Father of the Year.