Exec Edge hosted a fireside chat at the ICR Conference 2026 with Michael Buckley, Chief Executive Officer at True Religion. The in-person interview was joined by Correspondent and Multimedia Editor Daniella Parra, and they discussed how the company is on a path toward $1 billion in annual sales, True Religion’s transformation to expand its product proposition and widen its customers’ demographics, among other topics.
About Michael Buckley
Michael F. Buckley is a leading retail and consumer products executive with 40 years’ successful industry experience both domestically and internationally in growing brands and creating value. He realized over $1.5 billion in value creation for investors in his career. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer of True Religion Apparel, Inc. since November 2019. He orchestrated the sale of True Religion Apparel, Inc. to Private Equity firm Acon Investments in 2024. He was Chief Executive Officer, from 2016-2018, of Differential Brands Group (renamed Centric Brands upon the acquisition of Global Brands Group) a NASDAQ publicly traded apparel and accessories company. Differential owned the brands Hudson Jeans, Robert Graham and Swims.
Prior to Differential, from 2011-2016, he was Chief Executive Officer of Robert Graham Designs until its sale to Differential Brands Group for $180 million. Prior to Robert Graham, from 2006-2010, Mr. Buckley served as President of True Religion Apparel, and sales grew from $100 million to over $300 million, EBITDA from $30 million to over $90 million and market cap on NASDAQ tripled to $850 million. In both 2008 and 2009 True Religion was ranked the #1 most profitable US publicly traded apparel company out of all US publicly traded apparel companies, as measured by after tax profit margin.
Prior to joining True Religion in 2006, he was Chief Executive of Ben Sherman from 2001-2005 and sold the business to Oxford industries in 2004. Prior to 2001, he held various leadership positions at Diesel Jeans, Cygne Design, and others.
About True Religion
Founded in 2002, True Religion quickly became a global icon by redefining fashion with its bold Super T stitching and innovative construction. Worn by artists, athletes and style pioneers, the brand is rooted in self-expression and individuality. Today, True Religion continues to evolve while staying true to its heritage—blending timeless craftsmanship with modern influences. Offering high-quality denim, sportswear, accessories and more for men, women and kids, True Religion remains a go-to for those who live boldly and authentically.
