The Fragrance Foundation’s Board of Directors will honor Michael Gould, chairman and chief executive officer of Bloomingdale’s, at this year’s Circle of Champions dinner on Oct. 7.

The Circle of Champions Award is presented annually at a dinner ceremony held in honor of an individual who has made a notable impact on the fragrance industry. This year’s honoree, Mr. Gould, is often referred to as one of the most accomplished and recognized leaders in American retailing.  

Mr. Gould received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University in 1966 and continued there to earn a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Business.  In 1978, he was named senior vice president of J.W. Robinson’s in Los Angeles and became chairman and chief executive officer in 1981.  In 1986, he was tapped as president and chief operating officer of Giorgio Beverly Hills.  When Avon Products purchased the company in 1987, he was named president and chief executive officer, and remained there until joining Bloomingdale’s.

Mr. Gould has also received numerous awards for distinguished service from many organizations, universities and industry associations, along with a variety of cultural and philanthropic groups.

Rochelle Bloom, president of The Fragrance Foundation, commented, “Mike Gould has been a strong and continuous supporter of the fragrance industry and it is long overdue that we honor him for not only what he has done in the past year but for every year he has been in the retail business.”