BR

Bob Ross

Professional Summary



Professional Overview


Bob Ross is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in the fashion and retail industries. He currently serves as the CEO of DIFF Eyewear, where he oversees the strategic direction and operations of the fast-growing eyewear brand. Additionally, Bob holds the position of Chief Financial Officer at Hudson Jeans, Robert Graham, and SWIMS, leveraging his extensive financial expertise to drive growth and profitability across these brands.

Experience Summary



Current Roles


CEO, DIFF Eyewear (2019 - Present)
  • Responsible for spearheading the company's strategic vision and leading cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious growth targets

  • Oversees all aspects of operations, including product development, marketing, sales, and finance

  • Instrumental in positioning DIFF Eyewear as a leading player in the premium eyewear market, driving significant revenue and profitability improvements


Chief Financial Officer, Hudson Jeans; Robert Graham; SWIMS (2017 - Present)
  • Provides strategic financial leadership and oversight for this portfolio of fashion and lifestyle brands

  • Responsible for managing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and capital allocation

  • Played a key role in optimizing financial processes and systems to enhance operational efficiency and profitability


Career Progression


Chief Financial Officer, Nasty Gal (2013 - 2016)
  • Joined the company during a period of rapid growth and helped steer the business through a challenging restructuring process

  • Implemented robust financial controls and reporting systems to improve visibility and decision-making

  • Contributed to the company's strategic initiatives and assisted in securing additional funding to fuel expansion


Chief Financial Officer, ideeli (2010 - 2013)
  • Oversaw all financial aspects of the e-commerce flash sales platform, including accounting, treasury, and FP&A

  • Played a key role in the company's successful acquisition by Groupon


Chief Accounting Officer, EVP Finance, Worldwide Controller, Treasurer and CFO, Urban Outfitters (1997 - 2010)
  • Held a progression of increasingly senior finance roles within the fast-growing retail conglomerate

  • Contributed to the company's impressive growth trajectory, including the successful expansion of its portfolio of brands

  • Developed and implemented best-in-class financial processes and controls to support the organization's rapid scale


Academic Background


Bob holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where he graduated with distinction.

Areas of Expertise


  • Financial leadership and strategic decision-making

  • Operational excellence and process optimization

  • Mergers, acquisitions, and post-integration integration

  • Scaling high-growth companies and driving profitability

  • Building and leading high-performing finance teams


Professional Impact


  • Recognized as a strategic business partner who consistently delivers measurable financial and operational improvements

  • Played a pivotal role in the successful turnaround and growth of several prominent fashion and retail brands

  • Renowned for his ability to navigate complex financial and organizational challenges, driving sustainable value creation


Conclusion


With his impressive track record of financial leadership, operational excellence, and strategic vision, Bob Ross is poised to continue driving exceptional results for DIFF Eyewear and the broader portfolio of brands under his stewardship. His deep industry expertise, coupled with a proven ability to drive growth and profitability, make him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to thrive in the dynamic fashion and retail landscape.