Bio

Robert Wallstrom is an experienced leader focused on positioning organizations for purpose-driven success. He is a retail executive with extensive brand management expertise, proven leadership abilities & a record of driving growth. As an advocate for the power of business to create positive influence & outcomes for people and communities, Wallstrom places a unique focus on building organizations with strong cultures that strive to positively impact all stakeholders. Wallstrom has led Vera Bradley, Inc. (VRA) as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2013, executing the company’s business transformation while also championing corporate social responsibility, associate engagement & philanthropy initiatives. Wallstrom expanded the VRA portfolio in 2019 with the acquisition of lifestyle brand Pura Vida, which achieved B Corp Certification in 2022. In 2021, VRA expanded further with the introduction of goodMRKT, a collection of socially responsible, forward-thinking brands all committed to a cause and dedicated to doing good. Wallstrom remains focused on building a company of purpose-driven brands. In 2022, Vera Bradley Inc. was named America’s #1 Best Midsize Employer and #11 Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes and Statista. Wallstrom has a broad background in brand positioning, product development, store operations & culture building. He is well-regarded in the retail industry for his ability to develop and execute strategic growth plans and has served on the board of The National Retail Federation since January 2020. From 2007 to 2013, Wallstrom was President of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, the outlet division of Saks Fifth Avenue. In this role, he developed and implemented a strategic plan that repositioned the division as a growth engine, propelling it to a market-leading position. Previously, Wallstrom was Group Senior Vice President and General Manager of Saks’ flagship New York City store from 2002 to 2007. Prior to joining Saks, he held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility at Macy’s Inc. Wallstrom received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting from San Diego State University. In addition to Vera Bradley and The National Retail Federation, Wallstrom serves on the boards of Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, Love Fort Wayne & the CEO Council of Northeast Indiana. A servant leader at heart, Wallstrom is a strong supporter of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, a dedicated advisor to Dominican Republic-based non-profit New Hope Girls & the founder of The City on a Hill Foundation.