Robert Miller

Early Life and Education

Robert Warren Miller was born on May 23, 1933, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He graduated from Cornell University in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration.

Rise to Success

Miller co-founded DFS Group with Chuck Feeney in 1960. DFS's initial breakthrough came in the early 1960s with exclusive concessions for duty-free sales in Hawaii and Hong Kong, targeting Japanese travelers. The company expanded, becoming the world's largest travel retailer. In 1996, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) acquired Feeney's stake in DFS, but Miller retained his shares and remains a significant minority shareholder. Miller also founded Search Investment Group Ltd. in 1973, serving as its CEO and chairperson. He is also a principal of SAIL advisors (Search Alternative Investments Ltd), global investors in hedge funds.

Key Business Strategies

DFS Group's success was built on securing exclusive duty-free concessions in key locations like Hong Kong and Hawaii, catering to the growing market of international travelers. Miller focused on expanding DFS to off-airport stores and large downtown Galleria stores, establishing a strong global presence. He strategically targeted emerging markets and the economic elite of mainland China.

Philanthropy

Robert Miller has supported the Hong Kong arts scene. He is a trustee emeritus of the Asia Society.