Robert Chavez (commonly known as Bob Chavez) is an American business executive who served as president and chief executive officer of Hermès Americas from 2000 to 2025 and as its executive chairman from 2022 to 2025. He joined the board of directors of Macy's as an independent director on April 1, 2025. Chavez has held executive positions at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Etienne Aigner.
Chavez has also held academic and advisory roles, including serving as an executive in residence at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Early life and education Robert Chavez was born and raised on the South Side of San Antonio, Texas. He was the middle of three sons and initially aspired to become a third-grade teacher. He attended Luther Burbank High School, where he graduated as valedictorian. A school guidance counselor, John Buhay, encouraged him to apply to Ivy League universities. Chavez was subsequently admitted to Princeton University and graduated with the class of 1977.
After graduating from Princeton in 1977, Chavez moved to New York City, where he began working at Bloomingdale's.
Career
Early career Following graduation, he joined Bloomingdale's through the retailer's Executive Development Program, where he held merchandising positions and eventually served as a divisional merchandise manager. In 1986, Chavez joined Macy's as divisional merchandise manager. Two years later, he was promoted to senior vice president.
In 1991, Chavez became president of merchandising at Macy's. In the following year, he left Macy's after being appointed chief executive officer of the Etienne Aigner Group, a Munich-based luxury fashion company known for its leather goods and accessories.
Hermès Americas In 2000, Chavez was appointed president and chief executive officer of Hermès Americas, a division of the French luxury goods manufacturer Hermès International, overseeing its operations in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. During his tenure, Hermès Americas added 20 U.S. boutiques, and in 2021, the Americas business generated approximately $1.8 billion in revenue.
During Chavez's tenure, Hermès expanded its U.S. store footprint and established its online retail platform. On March 31, 2025, Chavez stepped down as executive chairman and retired from Hermès Americas. He joined Macy's board of directors on April 1, 2025.
Speaking engagements In October 2018, Chavez returned to his alma mater, Luther Burbank High School in San Antonio, where he spoke to students about his career and encouraged them to pursue their aspirations.
In October 2022, Chavez participated in a seminar hosted by Business Today at Princeton University, where he discussed leadership, authenticity, his career in luxury retail, and his experiences as a Princeton student. The event included a moderated question-and-answer session with students.
Faculty work In 2019, Chavez received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Savannah College of Art and Design and addressed the university's graduating class at its commencement ceremony in Savannah.
In September 2024, the Savannah College of Art and Design appointed Chavez as executive in residence for the 2024–25 academic year, where he collaborated with academics on assignments and curriculum for the university's School of Fashion and De Sole School of Business Innovation.
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