Former CEO
Lucy Activewear, Borders Group, eBags and Hanna Anderson
Michael J. Edwards, BS marketing 1983, has greatly influenced retail and direct-to-consumer brands during his 40-year career. After graduating from Drexel University, he moved from The May Company training program to be CEO of four companies in his career. It is also where many retailing executives start as they work to the top positions.
Edwards served as President and CEO of Hanna Andersson, a leading digital-first apparel and lifestyle brand, from 2019 to 2020. Before Hanna Anderson, he was Chief Executive Officer of online bag retailer eBags.com from 2015-2017 and was Staples’ Global Chief Merchandising Officer from 2012-2015. Before joining Staples, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer from 2009 to 2011 of Borders Group, Inc.
Edwards previously served as a board member at Drexel University, Flexsteel Industries, Inc., Central Garden and Pet and Igo.com. He has been a senior executive at major retailers, e-commerce and CPG brands such as Target, May Company, CompUSA and JoAnn. He became a known turnaround executive, transforming companies to achieve long-term growth and profitability.
Edwards retired in 2023 from operating roles but still does advisory work for several organizations.