Robert Bostrom

died suddenly on Saturday January 18, 2020 at 67.

Robert E. Bostrom was most recently named Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary at Pier 1 Imports Inc (NYSE:PIR) based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Bob started his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, after which he became a partner at Windels, Marx, Davies, & Ives, and then Winston & Strawn. In 1992, he was appointed Executive Vice President, Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance and General Counsel Head of Compliance, at National Westminster Bancorp (NatWest USA), named one of the top 25 banks in the U.S. during his four years there. In 1996, NatWest USA was sold to Fleet Financial Group and he became Managing Partner of the New York office for Winston & Strawn for nearly a decade.

From 2006 to 2011, Bob was named Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Freddie Mac. He was recognized as One of the Most influential In-House Counsel in Washington, DC by The National Law Journal/Legal Times in 2011 and one of the Distinguished General Counsels by the New York County Lawyers Association, 2008. During his leadership there, other recognitions include Best Legal Department of the Year 2011 Honorable Mention by Corporate Counsel Magazine, Best Corporate Law Department in 2008 by WMACCA, and Employer of Choice Award by Minority Corporate Counsel Association, 2007.

He held leadership roles at Greenberg Traurig and SNR Denton, one of the largest law firms in the world, prior to being named General Counsel of Abercrombie & Fitch in 2014 and serving as a member of the Board of Directors at Neulion, a streaming technology firm, before its acquisition by Endeavor (formerly WME).

Bob was a trusted advisor, mentor, author, thought leader, speaker, and proud member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, ABA Business Law Section, and American College of Governance Counsel, among others.

Born in Hartford, CT, Bob was a proud founding member of the first all-white soul band in Connecticut who fondly remembered his years on stage as a bass player and always talked about “getting the band back together” one day. In NYC, his caricature is proudly displayed on the wall at Bobby Van’s by Grand Central, where “everybody knows his name.”

He and his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth Bostrom, started their family in Westport, CT and were blessed with four children (Leys, Ashley, Allison, and Elliott) and four grandchildren (Colt, Vivi, Gigi, and Clay) who survive him. He also leaves behind: his sister, JoAnn Bostrom; mother, Angie Bostrom; aunt, Rita Casarola; and aunt & uncle, Cathy and John Fosgrau in Connecticut.

He is an exceptional man who led a successful career with ethics and integrity. He is a role model and mentor to many and the shining light and north star to everyone in his family. He left us too soon and will forever be remembered and greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held at St. Thomas Church on Fifth, Saturday February 1st at 2:30pm with a reception to follow at his favorite place, Bobby Van’s, near Grand Central. A private burial with family will follow on Martha’s Vineyard where the family has a home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.walterbcooke.net for the BOSTROM family.

A Message from the family:

Bob was a strong advocate and champion for diversity in the legal world. Among other recognitions, while Bob was at the helm of Freddie Mac, the company received the Employer of Choice Award from the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) in 2007.

“He was a leader on multiple fronts with his belief that the legal profession needed to become more diverse. His impact was felt. We appreciated it.” -Retired general counsel A.B. Cruz III, who was on the organization’s [MCCA] board for over 13 years https://www.mcca.com/

In an effort to honor and continue the legacy of championing and advocating for diversity, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the MCCA on behalf of Robert E. Bostrom.