About

Michael Gould 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, mainly in the East, to a broad national brand presence, with 40 stores in 18 major markets from coast to coast.

Mr. Gould received his BA from Columbia University in 1966 and continued there to earn an MBA in 1968. A brief summer stint at Abraham & Straus in New York was enough to inspire him to seek a retail career; in 1968, Mr. 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 Robinson’s Department Stores 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 Robinson’s chairman and chief executive officer. Subsequently, Mr. Gould 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.

Mr. Gould divides his spare time among a number of important affiliations. He serves on the board of trustees of Lenox Hill Hospital and of the Allen Stevenson School. He also serves on the national board of Hebrew College in Boston. Mr. Gould is chairman of the board of trustees of the American Jewish Committee.