Zappos pays tribute as co-founder Tony Hsieh passes away
Tony Hsieh, the co-founder of online shoe and clothing retailer Zappos, has died. He was 46.
A family lawyer said that Hsieh passed away "due to complications from injuries sustained in a house fire."
He co-founded Zappos in 1999 and grew it into a major online player before selling it to Amazon in 2009. Hsieh stepped down from the company this summer and announced his retirement.
“Though Tony retired this past summer, we know what a tremendous impact he has had on both Zappos and on Zapponians, as he has dedicated the past 20 years focusing on the success of both the company and our employees,” Zappos said in an online statement.
“The world has lost a tremendous visionary and an incredible human being. We recognise that not only have we lost our inspiring former leader, but many of you have also lost a mentor and a friend,” it added.
“Tony played such an integral part in helping create the thriving business we have today, along with his passion for helping to support and drive our company culture.”
“His kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone around him, as his mantra was of “Delivering Happiness” to others. His spirit will forever be a part of Zappos, and we will continue to honour his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he was so passionate about.”
“Pushing the envelope”
ChannelAdvisor boss, Scot Wingo, said that he had learned a lot from Hsieh.
“Even if you disagreed, he was always pushing the envelope in multiple dimensions,” he tweeted.
Zappos says that it will be working on ways to celebrate an “extraordinary life” in the coming days.
It is also inviting people to “share their memories of the ways he brightened your life…you can send them to CelebratingTony@zappos.com and we will share them with his family.”