Early Life
Alan Trefler was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1956. He grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts, with his brother. His parents were Dorothy, who worked as a schoolteacher, and Eric Trefler, a Holocaust survivor who owned an art and furniture restoration business. Trefler showed an early aptitude for chess and became the Massachusetts high school champion, winning several regional competitions.
Rise to Success
Trefler graduated from Brookline High School in 1973 and went on to Dartmouth College, where he studied economics and computer science. In 1975, at age 19, he tied for first place in the World Open Chess Championship. After college, he worked as a software engineer. In 1983, at the age of 27, Trefler founded Pegasystems, serving as CEO and chairman. The company went public on NASDAQ in 1996.
Key Business Strategies
Trefler's leadership has been instrumental in Pegasystems' growth. Key strategies include the development of a rules-based architecture and strategic acquisitions, such as Chordiant. His focus on customer success and innovation in AI has positioned Pegasystems as a leader in customer relationship management and business process management software.
Philanthropy
Trefler and his wife established The Trefler Foundation in 1997, focusing on improving urban public education in the Boston area. They have also supported organizations like Year Up and founded Union & Fifth, where proceeds from donated clothes benefit various charities.
