# Michael Chu

> Michael Chu is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of L Catterton, a consumer-focused investment firm established in 1989. A Bates College psychology-and-economics graduate, he previously held financial and operating roles at First Pacific, co-led Catterton from 2003, and became a global co-CEO when L Catterton was formed in 2016. He chairs Birkenstock’s board and remains connected to Bates through service and philanthropy.

- **Role:** Executive Chairman & Co-Founder at L Catterton
- **Organizations:** L Catterton, Birkenstock Holding plc, Bates College, First Pacific Company, Committee of 100, Council on Foreign Relations
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** B.A. in Psychology and Economics, with highest honors, Bates College
- **Known for:** Co-founded a consumer-focused investment firm in 1989 and helped lead its global expansion., Named Global Co-CEO of L Catterton at its formation in 2016., Chair of the Board of Birkenstock Holding plc.

## Career timeline

- **1980** — Graduated from Bates College.
- **1983** — Joined First Pacific Company; held financial and operating roles in Hong Kong, the Netherlands, San Francisco, and New York.
- **1989** — Co-founded Catterton.
- **1995–2013** — Served on the Bates College Board of Trustees.
- **2003** — Began co-leading Catterton, according to the firm’s current biography.
- **2012** — Joined Baccarat’s board following Catterton’s investment.
- **2016** — Named Global Co-CEO with Scott Dahnke as Catterton, LVMH, and Groupe Arnault created L Catterton.
- **2025** — Became Executive Chairman in L Catterton’s leadership evolution.

## Achievements

- Co-founded a consumer-focused investment firm in 1989 and helped lead its global expansion.
- Named Global Co-CEO of L Catterton at its formation in 2016.
- Chair of the Board of Birkenstock Holding plc.
- With Elizabeth Kalperis Chu, committed $10 million to Bates College in 2016.
- Served for 18 years as a Bates trustee.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Discussed luxury, brand loyalty, and patient investing with Louisa Qiu at a Serica Initiative event.
- **2026-03** — As Birkenstock board chair, signed a shareholder letter reporting fiscal 2025 revenue growth and discussing distribution and younger consumers.
- **2025-09** — Appeared on episode 34 of Generating Alpha.
- **2025-05** — L Catterton announced a leadership evolution; its May fundraising release identified Chu as Executive Chair and Co-Founder.

## Links

- Website: https://www.lcatterton.com/people.html
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-chu-50b63710

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-chu
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-10