Shep Murray
Shep Murray is the co-founder and CEO of Vineyard Vines, the lifestyle brand he launched with his brother Ian in 1998 on Martha's Vineyard. A Skidmore College graduate, Murray transformed a men's tie business into a billion-dollar apparel company.
Shep Murray's Bio
Shep Murray is the co-founder and CEO of Vineyard Vines, the preppy lifestyle brand he launched with his brother Ian in 1998 on Martha's Vineyard. What began as a small tie business selling 800 ties has grown into a billion-dollar apparel company known for its relaxed, nautical-inspired clothing.
Murray and his brother started the company after growing tired of their corporate desk jobs. The idea came from their love of deep-sea fishing and the Martha's Vineyard lifestyle - they wanted neckties that expressed that spirit. The brand quickly expanded beyond ties into a full clothing line that now includes men's and women's apparel, accessories, and footwear.
A Skidmore College graduate, Murray brought an entrepreneurial mindset to the venture. The brothers built the company around a culture of quality and fun, famously trading business suits for bathing suits during the early days. Vineyard Vines remains headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and continues to grow as a leader in American casual wear.
Beyond business, Murray is deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly breast cancer research after losing his mother to the disease in 2003. The company has consistently supported related causes, making it a core part of their mission. Under his leadership, Vineyard Vines balances commercial success with community values.
Career Timeline
1993 — Graduated from Skidmore College
Earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York.
1993 — Started early career in New York City
Worked in advertising/public relations on Madison Avenue before leaving to pursue entrepreneurship.
1998 — Founded Vineyard Vines
Co-founded Vineyard Vines with brother Ian Murray, starting with 800 ties sold from a backpack on Martha's Vineyard with a $7,000 investment.
1999 — Opened first retail store at Vineyard Vines
Launched the first Vineyard Vines store in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, expanding from direct sales to brick-and-mortar retail.
2007 — Named to Inc. 5000 list
Vineyard Vines was recognized on Inc. magazine's list of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the United States, with revenue tripling between 2004 and 2007.
2015 — Opened Stamford headquarters at Vineyard Vines
Inaugurated a new corporate headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, centralizing operations for the growing brand.
2016 — Reached $1B valuation at Vineyard Vines
Goldman Sachs valued Vineyard Vines at $1 billion; the company reported $476 million in annual sales.
2019 — Target collaboration launch at Vineyard Vines
Partnered with Target for a limited-edition collection of 300 products, showcasing the brand's lifestyle appeal to a mass audience.
2020 — COVID-19 store closures at Vineyard Vines
Temporarily closed all retail stores in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting focus to e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels.
2022 — Brought in external CEO
John Mehas, formerly of Club Monaco and Victoria's Secret, joined as CEO; Shep and Ian Murray stepped into chief creative officer roles to focus on brand vision.
2024 — Founders returned to leadership
After less than two years, Shep and Ian Murray resumed active control of the company; Shep Murray returned to the CEO role, reaffirming the founders' hands-on leadership approach.
