| Michael J. Kowalski | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1952 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Chairman, Tiffany & Co. |
Michael J. Kowalski (born 1952) is an American businessman and the interim CEO of Tiffany & Co. He was the CEO of Tiffany & Co. for 16 years, from February 1999 until March 31, 2015, remaining a non-executive chairman. He became the chairman of the board in January 2003. He joined Tiffany in 1983 as director of financial planning. As the company continues to look for a new CEO after the resignation of Kowalski's successor Frederic Cumenal in February 2017, Kowalski was appointed interim CEO.
Early life and education
Kowalski earned his B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and an M.B.A. from the Harvard School of Business.
Environmentalism
Kowalski took an interest in environmental matters at the age of 15, when he protested a plan to dam the Delaware River. In 2002, he was the force behind the decision for Tiffany to stop selling coral. He was also active in protesting a proposed gold and copper mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Upon his retirement as CEO Kowalski was asked what his plans were after leaving Tiffany and he said to become an environmental activist.
References
- "Michael J. Kowalski: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- "Tiffany Adding 3 New Directors to Board in JANA Deal". US News. February 21, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
- "Profile: Michael J. Kowalski". 16th Nikkei Global Management Forum. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- DeMarco, Anthony (July 21, 2014). "Tiffany & Co. CEO Michael Kowalski to Retire; Successor Named". Forbes. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- "Michael J. Kowalski: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
- Friedman, Vanessa. "What Michael Kowalski of Tiffany Will Do Next (It's Not What You Think)". On the Runway Blog. Retrieved March 22, 2017.