Frank E. "Chip" Barnes III, MBA, Interim Chief Executive Officer

Frank E. "Chip" Barnes III, is a principal shareholder and is Interim Chief Executive Officer of Guess & Co. Group, Inc. He is a veteran financial executive, investor, and strategic adviser with decades of experience in commercial and investment banking, private equity, and corporate leadership. Prior to joining Guess & Co., he served as the Executive Director of Carolina Barnes Corporation, a company he founded, where he has provided financial and strategic guidance across defense, telecom, maritime transportation, media, energy, and real estate sectors. 

Mr. Barnes previously held senior roles at major financial entities, including Bankers Trust, Warburg Paribas Becker, and Prudential-Bache Securities, where he originated significant financial and principal investment transactions. His work included participation in a landmark bond offering for Ted Turner’s start-up news network (CNN), closing of a major merger with British Telecom, creation of first institutional private placement for Public Storage Inc., and recently, served as advisor for the parent of South Atlantic Cable System which links Africa with South America. As a board member, he was head of independent directors during the restructuring of SFX Entertainment in its successful emergence from Chapter 11 status. Over his career, he has held board and principal positions in real estate, media, energy, telecommunications, defense-related, and global shipping organizations. 

Mr. Barnes graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed the MBA program at its Kenan-Flagler Business School, and passed the required SEC/FINRA security industry exams.  Mr. Barnes was appointed by the Board of Directors of Guess & Co. Group, Inc. as Interim Chief Executive Officer in January 2026.

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