Early Life and Founding Chewy
Ryan Cohen was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1986. He displayed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. At 25, Cohen founded Chewy.com (originally Mr. Chewy) in June 2011 with Michael Day. Chewy quickly gained traction and became a leading online pet retailer, known for its exceptional customer service and wide product selection. In 2017, Chewy was acquired by PetSmart for $3.35 billion, marking a significant e-commerce acquisition.
Rise to Success
Following the sale of Chewy, Cohen turned his attention to strategic investments. In September 2020, he disclosed a nearly 10% stake in GameStop, making him the company's largest individual investor. He joined GameStop's board in January 2021 and was appointed chairman in June 2021, leading a transformation of the company. Cohen has been instrumental in hiring new employees and implementing strategic changes at GameStop.
Key Business Strategies
Cohen's approach to business involves identifying undervalued companies and implementing strategic changes to enhance shareholder value. His strategy with GameStop included focusing on e-commerce, modernizing the shopping experience, and improving customer service. Cohen's investments and activism have demonstrated his ability to influence corporate strategies and drive value creation.
Philanthropy
While specific philanthropy amounts are not available, Cohen's work with Chewy and his leadership at GameStop have supported various initiatives related to pet welfare and community engagement.