Harry Slatkin
Harry Slatkin | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 14, 1960 United States |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Known for | Founder of Slatkin & Co., CEO of Belstaff (2011–2014) |
Harry Slatkin (born August 14, 1960) is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his impact in the home fragrance industry. In 1992, he and his wife, Laura, launched Slatkin & Co., a company specializing in home scents.
Renowned as the "king" of home fragrance by The New York Times, Slatkin’s products have been favored by high-profile figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Elton John. The New York Daily News honored him in 2005 as a foremost authority in fragrance.
Before establishing his company, Slatkin held a director position at Bear Stearns. His clientele has included prominent names like Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Elton John, and Christian Dior, with whom he developed exclusive fragrance lines. In 2005, Les Wexner acquired Slatkin & Co. for L Brands, appointing Slatkin president of Home Design for Limited Brands while he maintained leadership of Slatkin & Co. Under his guidance, the home fragrance segment expanded to exceed one billion dollars in revenue.
In addition to his business ventures, Slatkin contributes as an editor for Elle Décor and frequently markets his fragrances on QVC. His media presence extends to appearances on CNN, Extra TV, E! News, CNBC, ABC, and Comedy Central.
In June 2011, Slatkin collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger and the Labelux Group to purchase Belstaff, a British outerwear label, where he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. He later divested his stake back to Labelux in 2014.
Harry and Laura Slatkin are parents to twins David and Ali. They actively participate on the boards of various nonprofit organizations such as Autism Speaks, Henry Street Settlement House, and NEXT for Autism—a charter school they founded in New York focused on autism education. The couple also joined forces with Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons to create the Center For Autism and the Developing Brain.