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Michael Burgess

Chief Executive Officer at Jostens

Professional Background

Michael Burgess is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in leading public and private sector consumer retail, service, and digital businesses. As the current CEO and President of Jostens since 2019, Michael has played a pivotal role in not only guiding the company through the challenging circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic but also in reinforcing Jostens’ commitment to celebrating academic achievements of students across the nation. His leadership has inspired millions of students and parents while fostering a strong support network for educators, thereby building a vibrant community around student success.

Prior to joining Jostens, Michael served as the President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Digital Officer at Life Time Inc., where he actively contributed to reshaping the organization's image into a prominent healthy way of life lifestyle brand. His leadership was instrumental in driving revenue across the membership business and spearheading the launch of new Life Time Work locations. Michael's efforts not only enhanced the company’s digital landscape but also positioned it effectively in a competitive market.

Michael also held the position of President, HBC Digital at Hudson's Bay Company. Here, he excelled in leading the digital strategies for multiple department store chains, realizing a remarkable 50% growth with approximately $2.0 billion in orders and $1.3 billion in net sales. This achievement significantly bolstered the overall $15 billion retail sales of Hudson's Bay, putting it on the map as a major player in the retail landscape.

His previous role as President of Saks Direct was marked by generating revenues of over $500 million, where he successfully maneuvered the company into the Top 40 internet retailers. During his tenure, Michael facilitated a substantial growth rate of approximately 40%, through the acceleration of Saks.com and the rapid launch of SaksOff5th.com, which evolved into a multi-hundred million dollar business within a six-month timeframe.

Earlier in his career, Michael served as Executive Vice President of the Consumer Division at Florists' Transworld Delivery (FTD). He was responsible for steering the P&L management of FTD.com, a top 100 online retailer specializing in the floral and gift category, turning it around from a struggling venture into a productive and profitable category leader. His journey began as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company, laying the groundwork for his future successes.

Education and Achievements

Michael Burgess is a well-educated and highly qualified professional, holding an MBA in General Management from the prestigious Stanford Graduate School of Business. His academic foundation is further strengthened by his degrees in law and commerce from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where he completed his LLB/JD with a specialization in Commercial Law and his B.Comm in Finance.

His educational background, combined with his extensive experience in the corporate world, has equipped him with a unique perspective and skills necessary to thrive in dynamic business environments. Michael is highly regarded for his ability to attract and retain top talent, build high-performing teams, and foster collaborative, resilient organizations.

Notable Achievements

  • Leadership at Jostens: After taking on the role of CEO and President at Jostens in 2019, Michael helped guide the company through the adversity of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining a focus on elevating student achievements and supporting educators.
  • Transformational Growth at Life Time Inc.: As President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Digital Officer, he transformed Life Time's business operations and established it as a leading lifestyle brand in health and wellness.
  • Significant Revenue Growth at Hudson's Bay Company: During his tenure as President of HBC Digital, Michael was able to generate substantial revenue growth of 50% and was instrumental in achieving massive online sales numbers, contributing significantly to the marketplace.
  • Market Positioning at Saks Fifth Avenue: Under his leadership at Saks Direct, Michael led the company to remarkable milestones, including ranking among the top internet retailers and seeing a business turnaround that highlighted his ability to deliver results through innovative strategies.
  • P&L Management at FTD: Michael’s strategic insight and capability in handling the consumer division at FTD played a crucial role in transforming it into one of the leading online retailers in the floral and gift category.

Through his strategic vision and unwavering focus on performance, Michael Burgess charts a path for success and stands out as a prominent leader in the retail and digital landscape. His commitment to growth, innovation, and team development sets him apart as an executive that others aspire to emulate.

Highlights

Jan 26 · Yahoo Finance
JOSTENS® EPIC SCHOOL REVAMP™ CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED - Yahoo Finance
JOSTENS® EPIC SCHOOL REVAMP™ CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED - Yahoo Finance
Jan 26 · GlobeNewswire
JOSTENS® EPIC SCHOOL REVAMP™ CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED - GlobeNewswire
JOSTENS® EPIC SCHOOL REVAMP™ CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED - GlobeNewswire

Related Questions

How did Michael Burgess navigate Jostens through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic?
What strategies did Michael Burgess implement at Life Time Inc. to reposition the company as a leading lifestyle brand?
In what ways did Michael Burgess drive digital growth during his tenure at Hudson's Bay Company?
What key initiatives led to the remarkable growth rate at Saks Direct under Michael Burgess's leadership?
How has Michael Burgess’s background as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company influenced his executive decision-making?
Michael Burgess
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Location

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area