Robert Gentz

Robert Gentz is Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Zalando SE, one of Europe's leading online fashion and lifestyle platforms. Born on September 24, 1984, in Düsseldorf, Germany, Gentz has transformed Zalando from a Berlin startup into a major European e-commerce powerhouse serving over 50 million customers across 25 markets. Since co-founding the company in June 2008 alongside David Schneider, Gentz has been instrumental in driving Zalando's strategic vision, focusing on technology innovation, corporate affairs, and product development. Under his leadership, Zalando achieved remarkable milestones including its 2014 IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and inclusion in the DAX index in 2021 when it was expanded to 40 companies. In 2022, Zalando generated revenue of €10.3 billion with approximately 16,000 employees. Gentz's entrepreneurial journey began after a failed first startup, Unibicate, in Mexico, where he and Schneider lived without salary for eight months. This experience shaped his resilient leadership approach and deep understanding of startup challenges. As Co-CEO, Gentz oversees Zalando's B2C growth strategy, building the platform as the go-to destination for quality fashion and lifestyle shopping. His focus on sustainability, diversity, and ethical business practices has positioned Zalando as a responsible leader in the digital fashion industry. Beyond Zalando, Gentz is an active investor in the European startup ecosystem, with successful investments in companies like N26 and Enpal. His leadership philosophy emphasizes customer-centricity, technological innovation, and sustainable business practices, making him a respected figure in European e-commerce and digital transformation.