# Richard A. Hayne

> Richard A. Hayne is the co-founder, chairman and CEO of Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN), the Philadelphia-based parent of Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters and Nuuly. His career began with a student-oriented shop in 1970 and expanded through distinct retail concepts, including Anthropologie in 1992 and Terrain in 2008. He is also a longtime Drexel University trustee and donor to design education and entrepreneurship.

- **Role:** Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN)
- **Organizations:** Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN), Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Terrain, Drexel University
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in social relations, Lehigh University
- **Known for:** Co-founded a business that expanded into multiple international consumer brands., Founded Anthropologie, whose first standalone store opened in 1992., Led URBN through its 1993 public offering and served as chairman since incorporation.

## Career timeline

- **1969** — Graduated from Lehigh University; subsequently volunteered in Alaska with Judy Wicks.
- **1970** — Co-founded the original Free People store in Philadelphia with Scott Belair and Judy Wicks.
- **1976** — Became chairman when the company incorporated in Pennsylvania.
- **1984** — The Free People wholesale division was established after private-label work led by Meg Hayne.
- **1992** — Opened the first Anthropologie store in a former automobile shop in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
- **1993** — Urban Outfitters completed its Nasdaq initial public offering.
- **1996** — Joined Drexel University’s board of trustees.
- **2007** — Glen Senk became CEO; Hayne remained chairman and president.
- **2008** — Terrain opened its first garden center in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.
- **2012** — Resumed the principal executive role in January; donated an award and matching funds totaling $200,000 to Drexel’s Baiada Center.
- **2016** — Ended his tenure as company president in February.
- **2019** — URBN launched clothing rental brand Nuuly.

## Achievements

- Co-founded a business that expanded into multiple international consumer brands.
- Founded Anthropologie, whose first standalone store opened in 1992.
- Led URBN through its 1993 public offering and served as chairman since incorporation.
- Received the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Edward Powell Award.
- Committed $5 million to Drexel for experiential learning and student support, announced ahead of the planned 2023 apprenticeship launch.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — URBN reported $1.66 billion in net sales for the quarter ended July 31, 2026, up 10.4%; Hayne remained CEO. Anthropologie comparable retail sales increased 3.0%.
- **2026-04** — The fiscal 2026 annual report identified Hayne as chairman and CEO; URBN reported approximately $6.2 billion in annual sales.

## Links

- Website: https://www.urbn.com/who-we-are/senior-leadership

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/richard-hayne
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22