Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> February 12, 2016
Jamieson Karson is Chairman of the board and CEO of Soupman Inc. In his position as Chairman of the board and CEO, Mr. Karson will work with the board members and the management team to drive revenues and profits, and to build upon the Soupman brand. As the former CEO and Chairman of the board of Steven Madden, Ltd., the global footwear, accessories and apparel company, Mr. Karson was instrumental in guiding Steven Madden revenues, profits and market cap to grow significantly despite the company facing extraordinary challenges. He is credited with stabilizing the company and expanding the company’s footprint into the global retail and wholesale markets. After Steve Madden, he was a partner at Lightship Partners, a retail-consulting firm. He has considerable expertise in the restaurant business and holds a law degree, and in his most recent position, was Senior Counsel at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm. Steve Madden was named Footwear Company of the Year twice, and the company was recognized by the International Council of Shopping Centers — ICSC — as one of the Top Ten Retailers in America. Mr. Karson was named Top Ten Best Retail CEOs in America by consulting firm HVS. Profile
TWST: Please give us some history of the company.
Mr. Karson: Our company has a very interesting background. The Original Soupman store is on 55th Street and