During his time as CEO, Roger L. Rawlins had significant stock holdings in Designer Brands, peaking with vested stock that contributed to much of his total annual compensation. In 2020, he received about $5 million from vested stock units as...

During his time as CEO, Roger L. Rawlins had significant stock holdings in Designer Brands, peaking with vested stock that contributed to much of his total annual compensation. In 2020, he received about $5 million from vested stock units as part of a retention strategy. However, his holdings saw considerable fluctuation over the years, reflecting both market conditions and company performance. For instance, as the market stabilized post-pandemic, he faced a drop in valuations. By 2023, as he transitioned out, he still maintained a vested stock value around $13.5 million, though his overall financial stake in the company changed significantly depending on performance metrics set within his compensation agreements. This situation highlights the volatility that CEOs face in aligning their interests with shareholder value while managing their own personal wealth tied to company stock.