Karl-Johan Persson
Karl-Johan Persson | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 25, 1975 Sweden |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Chairman of H&M, former CEO of H&M (2009–2020) |
Karl-Johan Erling Göran Persson (born 25 March 1975) is a Swedish entrepreneur and billionaire. He currently holds the position of chairman at the fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) and was the company's CEO from 2009 until 2020. The firm was originally established by his grandfather, Erling Persson. As of December 2023, Forbes values his fortune at approximately US$1.9 billion.
Early life
Between 1996 and 2002, Persson pursued studies in Business and Economics at the European Business School located in London.
Career
Persson took ownership of European Network, an event management enterprise, in 2001. Under his leadership as CEO until 2004, it grew to become Scandinavia’s top company in its field before being sold to MCI in 2007. He joined H&M in 2005 and progressed to lead expansion and business development by 2007. In 2009, he succeeded Rolf Eriksen as CEO. After stepping down from this role in 2020, he was succeeded by Helena Helmersson and subsequently appointed as chairman of H&M’s board during the annual general meeting.
In addition to his work at H&M, Persson engages in startup investments via his firms Philian AB and 41an Invest AB.
Personal life
Persson is married to Leonie Gillberg, with whom he has three children. The family lives in Stockholm. Their wedding in 2002 was attended by Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria.