Category | Information |
---|---|
Birth Year | 1958 |
Nationality | Canadian |
Education | Dropped out of the University of Vermont |
Career | Co-founded Colby International Limited, served as CEO and president from 1986 to 2000, later became CEO of Global Brands Group from 2011 to 2014 |
Marriage | Married to Coco Lee (2011-2023) |
Children | Two daughters with Coco Lee |
Net Worth | $2 billion (as of 2023) |
Philanthropy | Involved in various charitable efforts, including those in memory of his late wife Coco Lee |
Other Ventures | Co-founded The Pure Group, a fitness and restaurant chain |
Awards and Recognition | None mentioned in the article |
Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian businessman, has built a vast fortune through his innovative approach to global sourcing and strategic leadership in the fashion industry. With a net worth of $2 billion as of 2023, Rockowitz’s story is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and relentless pursuit of success.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1958, Rockowitz grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. He developed a passion for tennis and dropped out of the University of Vermont to play professionally in Hong Kong in 1979. This chance move led him to become the head tennis coach at the Hong Kong Country Club, where he met Allan Zeman, a Canadian businessman who would later become his business partner.
Fashion Industry Dominance
Rockowitz’s entry into the fashion industry began with his co-founding of Colby International Limited in 1981. He served as CEO and president from 1986 to 2000, leading the company to significant growth and success. In 2000, Li & Fung acquired Colby for HK$2.2 billion, and Rockowitz continued to play a key role in the company, eventually becoming CEO from 2011 to 2014.
In 2014, Rockowitz became the vice chairman and CEO of Global Brands Group, a company that was spun off from Li & Fung. Under his leadership, Global Brands Group focused on growing American brands such as Frye, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Rockowitz’s vision for the company was to replicate its licensed business model in Europe and Asia, leading to significant growth and expansion.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Rockowitz’s personal life has been marked by significant events, including his marriage to the renowned Hong Kong singer Coco Lee in 2011. The couple had two daughters together and were known for their lavish lifestyle, with Rockowitz often hosting high-profile parties and events.
Tragically, Coco Lee passed away in July 2023 at the age of 48, reportedly due to depression. Rockowitz has been open about his love for his late wife and has been involved in various charitable efforts in her memory.
Investments and Ventures
Rockowitz has also been involved in various other business ventures, including the co-founding of The Pure Group, a fitness and restaurant chain. He is also a member of the advisory boards for the Wharton School’s Jay H Baker Retailing Center and the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Closure
Bruce Rockowitz’s net worth of $2 billion is a testament to his innovative approach to global sourcing and strategic leadership in the fashion industry. From his early days as a tennis coach to his current status as a prominent figure in the business world, Rockowitz’s journey is a compelling narrative of ambition, insight, and relentless pursuit of success. His philanthropic efforts and personal life, marked by significant events and tragedies, serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with building a life of wealth and influence.