November 28, 2020
LAS VEGAS (AP) – Tony Hsieh, the retired CEO of Las Vegas-based online shoe retailer Zappos.com, who has spent years working to transform the city’s downtown core, has passed away. He was 46 years old.
Hsieh was with his family when he died on Friday, according to a statement from DTP Companies, which he founded. Downtown Partnership spokeswoman Megan Fazio said Hsieh died in Connecticut, KLAS-TV reported.
The article continues below …
Puoy Premsrirut, an attorney for Hsieh, told media that Hsieh was injured in a house fire while on his way to Connecticut. Further details were not immediately released. An official cause of death has not been announced.
“Tony’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone around him and forever lit the world,” a statement from DTP Companies said. “Providing happiness has always been her mantra, so instead of mourning her transition, we ask you to join us in celebrating her life.”
Hsieh recently retired from Zappos after 20 years at the helm of the company. The online shoe retailer shared a tribute on social media Friday night.
“The world has lost a great visionary and an incredible human being,” the statement read. “His mind will forever be part of Zappos.”
Hsieh was a Harvard University graduate who joined the company – then called ShoeSite.com – in 1999. Zappos was sold to Amazon for $ 1.2 billion in 2009, but Hsieh remained in the business. until his retirement.
For years he also worked on revitalizing downtown Las Vegas, pledging $ 350 million in 2013 for the redevelopment. That same year, he moved Zappos headquarters to the old Las Vegas City Hall building.
“Tony Hsieh has played a pivotal role in helping to transform downtown Las Vegas,” said Steve Sisolak, Governor of Nevada. tweeted Friday night. “Kathy and I extend our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Many tributes were broadcast on social networks.
“Tony Hsieh is perhaps the most original thinker I’ve ever been friends with,” former investor Chris Sacca tweeted. “He questioned every assumption and shared everything he learned along the way. He was really happy to make everyone happy.
Skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk added, “Tony Hsieh was a visionary. He was generous with his time and ready to share his invaluable expertise with anyone.
“A truly original thinker, a brilliant entrepreneur and a generous and generous friend to so many people,” tweeted entrepreneur Max Levchin.
Ali Partovi, CEO of venture capital fund Neo, was a partner in one of Hsieh’s early ventures, Internet advertising company LinkExchange. In a tweet on Saturday, Partovi said Hsieh was one of the most creative people he has ever known.
“I will remember your unique combination of genius and mischief, and your infuriating ability to bet against the odds and win,” Partovi said.
Related stories from Oil City News:
