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Peter L. Harris, an accomplished businessman and Bay Area resident, was named President and CEO of the San Francisco 49ers July 12, 2000. He is the seventh president in team history.
Harris came to the 49ers with a reputation as a successful business leader, developed over 20 years as a CEO. He is considered one of the creators of what is known today as "entertainment retailing," creating interactive and entertaining experiences for customers while they shop.
He began his career in Southern California at Gemco Department Stores, a subsidiary of Lucky Stores. He spent 18 years with the company, rising to CEO at the age of 36. Gemco grew to $2.2 billion in sales with 18,000 employees during his leadership.
Harris is best known as the CEO of FAO Schwarz in New York. He and an investor partner purchased FAO Schwarz in 1985 when the company was floundering. With a focus on the customer and the creation of an interactive retail shopping experience, the beloved toy store chain moved back to the position it holds today as the world's preeminent retailer of fine toys and gifts for children. The chain was sold in 1990 and Harris remained CEO until 1992.
After FAO Schwarz, he moved back to Northern California where he entered the Silicon Valley technology sphere and became CEO of Accolade, an entertainment software developer and publisher. He helped re-capitalize and reposition the company and built a new management team.
From 1995 until joining the 49ers, Harris served as CEO of The Picture People (formerly Expressly Portraits), headquartered in Foster City, CA. Their business concept creates children's and family portraits in a fun, friendly, interactive mall store environment. He built the company into a successful 300-store chain and sold the operation in 1999 to Hallmark, remaining as CEO until joining the 49ers.
Harris serves on the boards of many major public companies as well as being active in three non-profit children's wellness organizations, The George Lucas Education Foundation and a private grammar school. Most recently, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee, making him an active participant in San Francisco's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
A native of Stockton, CA, Harris was born Dec. 17, 1943. The oldest of four siblings, he has two sisters and a brother, all of whom live in the Bay Area. Harris prepped at Lincoln High in Stockton, where he was a three sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He earned all-city honors at center and linebacker as a junior and senior.
Harris played football and baseball at Whittier College, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1965. He and his wife Jan, have three boys and reside in the South Bay.
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