Outlet pioneer Steven B. Tanger announces his retirement
After 40 years of service in the company that was started by his father and grew into the nation’s leading brand of bargain-priced, outlet retail, Steven B. Tanger will step down as Tanger Inc.’s chair of the board in May.
“Steve’s impact on Tanger has been immeasurable,” said Tanger's CEO Stephen Yalof. “For more than four decades, his leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence have helped shape Tanger into the company it is today."
Tanger was named the board chair in January 2021 after serving as the company’s CEO for 11 years. He played a central role in expanding Tanger’s portfolio to 38 outlet centers and three open‑air lifestyle centers across 22 U.S. states and Canada.
Luis Ubiñas, an independent director, will succeed him as a non‑executive board chair. At the same time, Bridget Ryan-Berman will conclude her service as lead independent director and continue to serve on the Board.
Tanger has been recognized for his longstanding civic and philanthropic contributions. He received the Life Excalibur Award from the American Cancer Society in 1996 for his efforts in the fight against breast cancer.
He has also received several of the highest civilian honors from multiple states, including North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine, South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto, and Ohio’s Commodores Award.
In 2013, Tanger became the name donor for the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro, N.C. He was named Ernst & Young’s 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southeast in the retail category. He was also inducted into both the North Carolina Business and Outlet Industry Halls of Fame.
“Serving this company and its people has been one of the great privileges of my life,” Tanger said. “I have tremendous confidence in the board and management team and look forward to supporting Tanger’s continued success in my new role.”
Yalof also recognized Bridget Ryan-Berman for her leadership during a period of significant growth and strategic progress for Tanger.
“Bridget’s thoughtful judgment, strong governance perspective, and steady leadership have strengthened Tanger’s Board, and we are grateful for her continued service as a board member,” he said.
A director at Tanger since 2019, Ubiñas also serves as the chair of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation and as a member of the board of directors of AT&T. A former president of the Ford Foundation, he spent 18 years at McKinsey & Company and, as a senior partner, led the firm’s media practice.
After serving as a fighter pilot in World War II, Moe Tanger, Steven’s father, operated a family business called Creighton Shirtmakers and expanded the brand in five outlet stores. Steve went on to make the Tanger name synonymous with that of outlet retail.
