Doug M. Howe is the current CEO of Designer Brands Inc., having stepped into the role on April 1, 2023, after a planned succession from former CEO Roger Rawlins. Before this role, Doug served as the Executive Vice President and...

Doug M. Howe is the current CEO of Designer Brands Inc., having stepped into the role on April 1, 2023, after a planned succession from former CEO Roger Rawlins. Before this role, Doug served as the Executive Vice President and President of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. He brings extensive experience in merchandising, having held significant positions at major companies like Kohl's and Qurate Retail Group, where he was the Global Chief Merchandising Officer. A Creighton University graduate with a degree in business administration, Doug is skilled in navigating retail dynamics and understanding consumer needs. In 2023, his total compensation was approximately $5.72 million, though he noted a lack of bonuses this year due to unmet performance metrics. Under his leadership, Designer Brands aims to enhance its market presence while promoting sustainability and community support initiatives.

Quick Links

1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other Designer Brands CEOs

D

Doug M. Howe

CEO of Designer Brands

Education

Creighton University, degree in business administration and management

Field of Expertise

Sales & Marketing - Merchandising

Sector of Economy

Consumer Cyclical

Born

January 1, 1961 - 64 years ago

CEO of Designer Brands for

2 years 0 months (Apr 2023 - Present)

Previous Experience

President of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse and Executive Vice President of the Company; Chief Merchandising Officer of Kohls Corp.; served in a variety of roles at Qurate Retail Group, including as EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer.

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of Doug M. Howe

S

Clifton E. Sifford

CEO of Shoe Carnival

2023 Compensation

Stock

$15.02K

Salary

$185.48K

Bonus

$0.00

Other

$25.90K

Total Holdings

$6.69M

G

Robert J. Dennis

CEO of Genesco

2020 Compensation

Stock

$250.00K

Salary

$800.00K

Bonus

$200.00K

Other

$100.00K

Total Holdings

$5.49M

Holdings

See how much did Doug M. Howe make over time.

As of now, Doug M. Howe holds a significant amount of stock in Designer Brands Inc., showcasing his commitment to the company’s success. In 2023, he was granted 528,170 restricted stock units (RSUs), but performance-based shares did not vest due...

As of now, Doug M. Howe holds a significant amount of stock in Designer Brands Inc., showcasing his commitment to the company’s success. In 2023, he was granted 528,170 restricted stock units (RSUs), but performance-based shares did not vest due to not hitting specific targets. His holdings largely shape his wealth, which fluctuated notably as he took on CEO responsibilities. Previously, as Executive Vice President, his stake increased, reflecting potential future gains, though recent performance metrics may impact future valuations. Currently, Doug's financial involvement is key as he navigates the company through these challenges, ensuring that his personal interests align with shareholder values.

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of Doug M. Howe.

KSS

25 shares

KSS

Mar 31, 2022

Received

KSS

317 shares

KSS

Mar 30, 2022

Received

KSS

12,176 shares

KSS

Mar 28, 2022

Received

KSS

196 shares

KSS

Dec 22, 2021

Received

KSS

180 shares

KSS

Sep 22, 2021

Received

KSS

275 shares

KSS

Jun 23, 2021

Received

KSS

310 shares

KSS

Mar 31, 2021

Received

KSS

12,119 shares

KSS

Mar 29, 2021

Received

KSS

11,733 shares

KSS

Mar 1, 2021

Received

KSS

3,087 shares

KSS

Apr 1, 2020

Received

Compensation History

See how much did Doug M. Howe make over time.

In 2023, Doug M. Howe's total compensation was $5,719,612. His base salary of $1,205,769 increased after his promotion to CEO. However, he received no bonuses this year due to performance metrics not being achieved. A significant portion of his compensation came from vested stock, valued at around $6.31 million, which consisted mainly of RSUs across performance and time-based awards. This situation illustrates how closely tied his earnings are to the company's performance and strategic goals. The compensation package reflects a standard that aligns executive pay with company performance while motivating him to drive long-term growth and shareholder value. The unique structure of his pay highlights the importance of hitting those targets for both the company and his future payout potential.

Year

2023

Total Compensation

$7.53M

Salary

$1.21M

Board Justification

The compensation philosophy aims to attract and retain highly qualified leaders, drive performance by incentivizing NEOs to attain short-term and long-term goals, align interests with shareholders, and create long-term shareholder value.

Bonus

$0.00

Board Justification

No bonus was paid out for fiscal 2023 due to performance metrics not being met.

Other

$13.84K

Board Justification

Other compensation includes 401(k) matching contributions and a small amount for life insurance premiums.

Restricted Stock

$6.31M(684.98K RSUs)

Board Justification

The vested stock includes performance-based and time-based RSUs that vested during fiscal 2023, with the performance-based RSUs not achieving the threshold performance level resulting in no payout for those awards.

Performance Metrics

The primary performance metric for fiscal 2023 was Adjusted Operating Income, which was not met, resulting in no payouts for the cash incentive plan.

Other Designer Brands CEOs

Here are other CEOs of Designer Brands

Roger L. Rawlins

Ex-CEO of Designer Brands

January 2016 - April 2023