Richard A. Baker is an established visionary and seasoned executive known for maximizing value at the crossroads of retail, real estate, and technology. As the governor, executive chairman and CEO of HBC and executive chairman of each of HBC’s portfolio companies – Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH, Saks.com, SaksOffFifth.com, Convene, Hudson’s Bay, TheBay.com, HBC Properties and Investments – he leads with an adaptive and agile vision that fuels HBC’s continued evolution and expansion globally. Since becoming HBC’s governor in July 2008, Mr. Baker has transformed North America’s oldest continually operating company into an agile force that has enabled HBC and each of its subsidiaries to stay ahead of short- and long-term industry trends.

With a forward-facing vision, Mr. Baker has recognized and maximized the growing impact of technology on the retail space, implementing a digital-first strategy across HBC’s portfolio. In alignment with this innovative approach, he spearheaded HBC’s entry into office and meeting space – including the recapitalization of SaksWorks and Convene – to provide a solution for those seeking a professional environment centered around flexibility, technology, and experience in design-forward settings.

Mr. Baker is also an owner of National Realty & Development Corporation (NRDC) – one of the largest real estate development companies in the United States – along with his son, Jack Baker, serving as chief operating officer. In addition, he serves as the chairman of the board of directors for Retail Opportunity Investments Corporation (ROIC), a NASDAQ-listed REIT focused on acquiring retail properties on the west coast of the United States.

An active philanthropist, Mr. Baker is a strong advocate for mental health awareness. Under his leadership at HBC, the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation – where Richard serves as president – was founded in 2017 and has since invested more than $5.8 million towards mental health initiatives and has reached over 6.6 million people through direct support programs that promote positive mental health.

A proud supporter of his alma mater, Cornell University, Mr. Baker serves or has served on several councils and advisory boards at Cornell University, including: the Baker Program in Real Estate Advisory Board, the School of Hotel Administration Advisory Council, the Center for Real Estate and Finance Advisory Board and the Center for Real Estate and Finance Industry Fellows. Mr. Baker received his Bachelor of Science in hotel management from Cornell University.