Early Life and Education
William Sydney Fisher was born in 1958 to Doris and Donald Fisher, the co-founders of Gap Inc. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and graduated from Princeton University in 1979 with a bachelor's degree. He later earned an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 1984.
Rise to Success
Fisher began his career at The Gap after earning his MBA. He held various positions within the company, including store director for Banana Republic and general manager for Gap in Canada. He eventually became president of Gap's international division and played a key role in expanding the company into Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan. In 2001, Fisher founded the London-based private equity firm Manzanita Capital.
Key Business Strategies
As the CEO of Manzanita Capital, Fisher focuses on investments in branded luxury companies, consumer goods, and retail. He has been a director of Gap Inc. since 2009. His strategy involves expanding the brand globally and investing in luxury brands.
Philanthropy
Fisher has made significant donations to Stanford University and has served as vice chairman of the Exploratorium in San Francisco. He supports pro-charter school candidates and contributes to various educational and political causes. He donated nearly $9 million to a dark money group that opposed Barack Obama in the 2012 election, and in September 2022, he donated $980,000 to the "No on 30" California ballot campaign.