:: Fragrance Foundation ::

10/15/08 – 2008 Circle of Champions

Michael Gould, Rochelle Bloom, Leonard Lauder

Press Contact: Lyn Leigh
212 725 2755 ext 102

The Fragrance Foundation’s Board of Director’s Honors
Michael Gould
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bloomingdales
At Ninth Circle of Champions Award

Wednesday October 8th 2008, New York N.Y. - The Fragrance Foundation’s Board of Directors honored Michael Gould, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bloomingdale’s at last night’s Ninth Annual Circle of Champions Awards Dinner.

The glittering St. Regis Hotel provided the perfect setting for dinner attended by industry leaders and luminaries who packed the room to honor their friend and colleague. Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation, reflected “Mike Gould has been a strong and continuous supporter and friend of the Fragrance Industry and it was long overdue to honor him for not only what he has done in the past, but for every year he has been in the retail business.”

Leonard Lauder, Chairman of The Estee Lauder Companies, presented Mr. Gould with the Circle of Champions Award, an exquisite Steuben crystal created by noted sculptor Eric Hilton, remarking that his friendship and respect for Mr. Gould has been long-standing both personally and professionally. “He is a champion role-model in the retail world and a super-hero to his family:” Mr. Lauder commented.

Accepting the award, Mr. Gould was gracious and quick to recognize the many industry friends and colleagues that have supported and collaborated with him over the years.
“It’s all about the personal relationships that you build up. I have been blessed with a great Bloomingdale’s team and I accept this honor with pleasure on their behalf.”

Michael Gould is often referred to as one of the most accomplished and recognized leaders in American retailing holding senior positions with leading companies including Senior Vice President at J.W. Robinson’s in Los Angeles going on to become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In 1986 he was tapped as President and Chief Operating Officer of Giogio Beverly Hills. When Avon Products purchased the company in 1987 he was named President and Chief Executive Officer, and remained there until joining Bloomingdale’s. Under his watchful and inspiring leadership the company has seen its greatest period of transformation and growth in its history, expanding from 16 units located mainly in the east, to a broad national brand presence with 4o stores in 18 major markets from coast to coast.

Mr. Gould devotes a great deal of time and support to a number of important affiliations, schools and charitable organizations but in his incredibly active life his family comes first.

The evening was generously sponsored by ADF, Lucky, LVMH Perfume and Cosmetics, Avon Products Inc.

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