Michael S. Jeffries served as the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch from 2006 until 2014. He studied at UCLA and has a strong background in retail. Under his leadership, the company saw significant stock market activity with insider trades valued...

Michael S. Jeffries served as the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch from 2006 until 2014. He studied at UCLA and has a strong background in retail. Under his leadership, the company saw significant stock market activity with insider trades valued at more than $93 million in early 2024. Jeffries has been known for his performance-based compensation strategy, which directly ties his earnings to the company's success and overall shareholder value. For example, in 2011, his total compensation peaked at around $48 million, driven primarily by stock appreciation rights and a high bonus based on company performance. He also received a notable retention grant of stock appreciation rights for 4 million shares, showing his commitment to the firm’s long-term success. Interestingly, he has faced ups and downs, as evidenced by his compensation decreasing significantly in years when performance targets weren't met. After his tenure at Abercrombie, Jeffries is recognized for making bold moves in a challenging retail environment, reflecting both successes and setbacks that come with leading a major brand in the industry.