William Simon

"With our planet now threatened by catastrophic environmental decline, due largely to the complacency and self-interest of humans, each of us, especially those in the business community, must fight with ferocity to halt and reverse the damage created by our use of fossil fuels and their by-products and to do so as if our lives depend on it.”

Bill Simon has extensive experience as a leader of successful, active lifestyle brands, both public and private. His expertise includes strategic and financial planning, product development, manufacturing, marketing and motivating great teams to "set the bar high, exceed expectations and achieve the unexpected." Along the way, he has led or participated in the acquisition of several, high-profile consumer brands. He has served as Chairman and CEO of The North Face, Executive Chairman of Converse, Executive Vice Chairman of Cole Haan, Vice Chairman of Poloco--Ralph Lauren Europe, and Chairman of Marmot among others. In his earlier days he founded and managed a product design, manufacturing and sourcing enterprise that operated throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas. He currently serves on the board of several non-profit and early stage companies.

Bill believes that to thrive in today’s multinational business environment, tuning into and appreciating the unique cultural character and nuances of each country is critical to building powerful and globally impactful brands. He is energized by the opportunity to collaborate with talented and visionary entrepreneurs and business leaders. His investing and management philosophy emphasizes the empowerment of executives and the sharing of financial upsides with team members. He feels that, “the most dynamic companies create atmospheres in which associates at all levels get up each morning excited about taking on the work day."

In his spare time, Bill is an avid trail runner and off-trail hiker.