Dov Charney (born January 31, 1969 in Montreal, Canada) is the founder and CEO of American Apparel ("AA"), a clothing manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer. Charney is known for his success as an entrepreneur, and passion for simple clothing.[1][2][3] His "contrarian" leadership style, which he feels promotes creativity, has drawn extensive praise and criticism.[4][1][5] Charney has earned recognition in the media for management decisions to pay a fair wage and refusing to outsource manufacturing, while still running a profitable business.[6][7] The Los Angeles Times named him as one of the Top 100 powerful people in Southern California.[8]
