Jide J. Zeitlin

(April 2025)

In This Article

Synopsis

Jide J. Zeitlin is a successful businessman, philanthropist, and social justice advocate. He is the former CEO of Tapestry, Inc., and founder of the Zeitlin Family Foundation. The foundation works to improve education and health in Nigeria.

Introduction

Jide Zeitlin is the former CEO of Tapestry, Inc. Tapestry, Inc. is a $5.9 billion American multinational luxury fashion holding company. It is based in New York City and is the parent company of three major brands: Coach, Kate Spade New York, and Stuart Weitzman.

In his former role as CEO, he was responsible for the company’s financial performance and the strategic agenda’s execution.

Zeitlin has over thirty years of experience in business and global finance. He founded The Keffi Group, an early-stage venture capital company that made investments in financial services, life sciences, and wireless infrastructure in West Africa, Israel, and India. For the first twenty years of his career, Zeitlin worked at Goldman Sachs, holding several high management roles, such as being a member of the Executive Office and the Global Chief Operating Officer of their investment banking divisions.

In June 2006, Zeitlin was appointed to serve on Tapestry’s board of directors. In addition, he is Chairman Emeritus of Amherst College, Chairman of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and a member of the board of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

Milton Academy, the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors, Teach for America, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Montefiore Medical Centre, Playwrights Horizons, Saint Ann’s School, and Common Ground Community are just a few of the boards he now serves on or has served on.

Zeitlin holds an A.B. degree, magna cum laude, in Economics and English from Amherst College and an M.B.A. degree from Harvard University. He was born on February 19th, 1964. Likewise, he was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. Also belongs to the nationality of Nigerian Americans.Jide Zeitlin is married to Tina Goldberg. The couple also has two kids together.

1. Who is Jide J. Zeitlin?

Jide Zeitlin! He’s a Nigerian-American businessman and former CEO of Tapestry, Inc.

Zeitlin was born to a single mother and adopted at the age of five by a young American family who lived in Nigeria and employed his young mother. He left Nigeria when he was just five years old and moved to Pakistan with his new American family.

Jide Zeitlin is a successful investor, philanthropist, and businessman. He came to the US as a young child after leaving his birthplace country, Nigeria. After graduating from Harvard University and Harvard Business School, he went on to become the CEO of the international retail giant Tapestry, Inc. He is also well-known for his charitable endeavors, especially those that bolster Nigerian educational programs.

Jide Zeitlin’s success story is, indeed, truly motivating. After beginning his professional career as an investment banker, he worked his way up to become Tapestry, Inc.’s CEO. Focusing on diversity and sustainability was an essential aspect of his leadership at Tapestry. Additionally, he managed the business through the Covid-19 outbreak and its accompanying difficulties. Jide Zeitlin is well-known for his charitable endeavors in addition to his professional accomplishments. He established the Zeitlin Family Foundation to assist Nigerian educational projects.

He worked as a partner at Goldman Sachs, where he was the global chief operational officer and held several other high-management positions in the investment banking group. He worked in the executive office of the company as well.

In June 2006, Mr. Zeitlin was chosen to join Tapestry’s board of directors. In addition, he is Chairman Emeritus of Amherst College, Chairman of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and a member of the board of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

Milton Academy, the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors, Teach for America, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Montefiore Medical Centre, Playwrights Horizons, Saint Ann’s School, and Common Ground Community are just a few of the boards he now serves on or has served on.

2. What makes Jide J. Zeitlin special?

Jide Zeitlin’s ability to blend economic savvy with a strong sense of social duty is what makes him special. In addition to being a prosperous businessman, he has a strong philanthropic spirit. He’s committed to using his success to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the world. His humility and desire to see others succeed have earned him admiration as well.

What actually makes him unique is his ability to strike a balance between business and social responsibility. In terms of business experience, Jide Zeitlin likely has a great deal of experience in the retail sector or a similar industry. This expertise can involve strategic planning, leadership roles, or a track record of accomplishment in the luxury goods or fashion industries.

As CEO, Zeitlin would have been in charge of a major business with multiple brands in his capacity as CEO. It would have been essential to have strong decision-making, delegation, and leadership abilities. Zeitlin could have provided an engaging outlook for Tapestry’s future, detailing plans to develop the business, increase its market share, or deal with market developments.      

3. What Jide J. Zeitlin care about?

Jide Zeitlin cares deeply about two things: education and sustainability. His charitable endeavors are mostly concentrated on education, particularly in his home country of Nigeria. He’s committed to supporting initiatives that improve access to quality education for all.

He is committed to promoting programs that increase every person’s access to high-quality education. In his personal life as well as his work with Tapestry, Inc., sustainability is another important thing he cares about. He supports sustainable techniques and environmental responsibility.

As the former CEO of Tapestry, Zeitlin has a keen interest in the retail sector, fashion trends, and customer behaviour. Leading a large company requires a focus on business strategy, growth, and profitability. Zeitlin probably cares about creating profitable companies and making wise business choices.

Effective CEOs need strong leadership skills. Zeitlin might care about motivating teams, fostering innovation, and creating a positive work environment.

4. What are Jide J. Zeitlin greatest deeds?

In terms of his greatest deeds, Jide Zeitlin’s work with the Zeitlin Family Foundation stands out among his finest accomplishments. The organization, which offers funding for educational institutions and student scholarships, has had a major influence on education in Nigeria. In addition, he has guided Tapestry, Inc. towards greater sustainability and social responsibility. Another great deed of Zeitlin was that he served on President Barack Obama’s economic transition team.

5. What Jide J. Zeitlin faced as challenges?

Over his career, Jide Zeitlin has encountered a number of difficulties. Overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic while operating Tapestry, Inc. has become one of his toughest difficulties. The company had challenges during this period due to the closing of its physical stores and the transition to internet sales. During this period, he also had to make sure the business maintained its sustainability and social responsibility. He has also struggled to strike a balance between his personal and professional lives. He has mentioned how challenging it can be to strike the correct balance.

Jide Zeitlin has encountered additional hardships in addition to them. For example, as an American businessman of Nigerian descent, he has had to overcome language and cultural obstacles. Since he is the successful businessman’s son, he has also had to cope with nepotism. But he overcame them to establish himself as a reputable and prosperous businessman in his own right.

Jide has faced challenges and been accused of sexual misconduct. In addition, he resigned as CEO of the company as a result of the accusations made against him. The accuser of his sexual misconduct provided evidence of his prior harassment of her.

He served as CEO from September 2019 until July 2020, when he resigned amidst an investigation into his personal behaviour.

6. What keeps Jide J. Zeitlin motivated?

Jide Zeitlin is motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. His interests lie in sustainability and education, and he hopes to use his position to change things. He is also driven by the need to set a positive example for his kids. He aspires to lead by example and emphasize the value of perseverance and hard work. Lastly, his drive stems from his desire to please his family.

7. Why Is David Olusoga Such a Role Model?

Jide Zeitlin is an inspiration for numerous reasons. First off, in spite of a number of obstacles, he achieved remarkable success in his work. Second, through his charitable endeavors, he has returned the favour to the community by using his success. Third, as a prosperous businessman of colour, he serves as an inspiration for diversity and inclusivity. Last but not least, he sets an example for work-life balance by deliberately juggling his professional and personal obligations.

8. What is Jide J. Zeitlin currently working on?

He has been striving to broaden the Zeitlin Family Foundation’s scope, emphasizing sustainability and education. In addition, he’s been working on a few other projects, such as mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting the arts. It’s clear that he’s still very passionate about making a difference and using his platform for good.

9. What could slow Jide J. Zeitlin down?

The allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against Zeitlin could slow him down. His time as tapestry CEO was cut short, disrupting his plans and goals for the industry. As of right now, Jide Zeitlin has not won any honours and has not signed brand endorsement deals with any brands.

10. What can you learn from Jide J. Zeitlin?

  • There are many things you can learn from Jide Zeitlin. First, he’s a great example of perseverance and determination. He’s faced many challenges, but he’s never given up. He’s also a great example of someone who’s used their success to give back to the community.

    In addition, he’s a great example of someone who’s made work-life balance a priority. And finally, he’s a great example of someone who’s always learning and growing. So, there’s a lot to learn from Jide Zeitlin.

Pro Tips

  • Have a clear vision and stay focused on your goals.
  • Be willing to take risks and make bold decisions.
  • Stay humble and never stop learning.
  • Surround yourself with people who inspire you and support your goals.
  • Give back to your community and help others succeed.

Summary

Jide J. Zeitlin is a successful businessman, philanthropist, and social justice advocate. His desire to make a positive impact on the world through his foundation, the Zeitlin Family, has assisted several Nigerian educational projects.

Zeitlin was the former CEO of Tapestry Inc., a fashion company that owns several brands, including Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. Jide J. Zeitlin served as CEO of Tapestry from 2015 to 2020. Under his leadership, the company expanded its global reach and diversified its product offerings. Tapestry has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and diversity, and it has a strong focus on giving back to the community.

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