Matt Furlong: A Dynamic Businessperson Who Transformed Global Retail Leadership
From Amazon Success to Former CEO of GameStop and Beyond
Introduction
Matt Furlong is a well-known businessperson whose career journey has taken him across some of the world’s largest and most influential companies. Best recognized as the former CEO of GameStop, Furlong has built a reputation for driving transformation and growth in highly competitive markets. With a career spanning global retail giants such as Procter & Gamble, Amazon, and Shutterstock, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and strategic vision.
In recent years, Matt Furlong has become a central figure in corporate turnarounds and e-commerce expansion. His leadership roles reflect both success and challenges, providing valuable lessons in business management. This article explores his background, career milestones, leadership style, and latest endeavors, while providing insights into his legacy in the corporate world.
Quick Bio of Matt Furlong
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew “Matt” Furlong |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio |
| Notable Roles | CEO of GameStop, Chief Marketplace Officer at Shutterstock, CEO of ecoATM |
| Industry Focus | Retail, E-commerce, Business Transformation |
| Famous For | Leading GameStop’s digital transformation |
| Current Role (2025) | CEO of ecoATM |
Early Education and Professional Foundation
Miami University Graduate
Matt Furlong’s academic foundation was built at Miami University, located in Oxford, Ohio. His education provided him with the skills and strategic thinking necessary to navigate complex corporate environments. This strong educational background became the cornerstone of his career, preparing him for the challenges of high-level leadership.
Early Career Development
Before becoming a global leader, Furlong honed his skills in brand management, marketing, and sales. His early experiences shaped his ability to handle multi-faceted business operations and communicate effectively across diverse teams. These formative years set the stage for his future achievements.
Career Journey of Matt Furlong
Matt Furlong’s professional journey is marked by his work at some of the world’s top corporations, where he excelled at implementing innovative strategies and driving growth.
Procter & Gamble: The Starting Point
Furlong began his career at Procter & Gamble (P&G), where he spent approximately 12 years in roles related to brand management, marketing, and sales.
During his time at P&G, he developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior and product positioning. This experience allowed him to refine his leadership style and establish himself as a capable businessperson who could manage large-scale operations.
Amazon: Building Global Expertise
After leaving P&G, Matt Furlong joined Amazon, one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. At Amazon, he held several senior leadership roles, including:
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Technical Advisor for the North America Consumer Business.
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Director of Consumer Electronics & Home, where he worked to expand product categories and streamline operations.
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Country Manager for Amazon Australia, overseeing the company’s growth and market penetration in a competitive region.
His time at Amazon showcased his ability to manage cross-border teams, adapt to international markets, and push for aggressive expansion strategies. This period of his career positioned him as a leading expert in digital commerce.
GameStop: Leadership During Transformation
Appointment as CEO
In June 2021, Matt Furlong was appointed CEO of GameStop. At the time, GameStop was undergoing significant challenges, including declining physical store sales and the need for a shift toward online commerce. Furlong’s appointment was a pivotal move aimed at modernizing the company’s strategy and operations.
GameStop’s Challenges and Opportunities
As CEO, Furlong focused on expanding the company’s digital presence and improving its e-commerce infrastructure. His leadership coincided with GameStop’s rise in popularity among retail investors during the “meme stock” phenomenon.
While he made progress in implementing new strategies, GameStop faced ongoing financial hurdles and shifting market trends.
End of Tenure
On June 7, 2023, Furlong was terminated “without cause” by the company’s board of directors. His departure marked the end of a transformative but challenging period for both Furlong and GameStop. Despite the challenges, his efforts to steer the company toward a digital-first approach left a lasting impact.
Shutterstock and ecoATM: Continuing His Journey
Shutterstock Appointment
In January 2025, Matt Furlong was named Chief Marketplace Officer at Shutterstock. In this role, he was responsible for leading the company’s marketplace operations and enhancing growth across multiple platforms. His experience at Amazon and GameStop made him a valuable asset to the Shutterstock leadership team.
ecoATM CEO Role
Later in September 2025, Furlong took on a new challenge by becoming the CEO of ecoATM, a company specializing in sustainable electronics recycling. This move demonstrated his commitment to innovation and sustainability while broadening his leadership portfolio.
Salary and Professional Earnings
In 2021, during his time at GameStop, Furlong earned $16.8 million in total compensation for roughly six months of work. This included salary, bonuses, and equity awards. His financial success reflects the high value placed on his leadership and expertise in the retail and e-commerce industries.
His primary sources of income have been executive roles at multinational corporations, where compensation packages typically include base salaries, performance-based incentives, and stock options.
Matt Furlong’s Legacy
Matt Furlong’s legacy is defined by his ability to lead during times of transformation.
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At GameStop, he introduced strategies that pushed the company toward digital innovation.
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His work at Amazon and Shutterstock demonstrated his skill in scaling businesses globally.
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With his role at ecoATM, he continues to influence the future of sustainable technology.
His career offers valuable lessons in resilience, adaptation, and the importance of forward-thinking leadership in an ever-changing business landscape.
Conclusion
Matt Furlong’s career reflects the journey of a dedicated businessperson who has navigated the highs and lows of corporate leadership. From his formative years at Procter & Gamble to his prominent role as the former CEO of GameStop, and now leading ecoATM, Furlong has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation and growth.
His story serves as inspiration for aspiring leaders, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that come with leading companies in highly competitive industries. As he continues to shape the future of retail and sustainability, Matt Furlong remains a significant figure in the global business landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Matt Furlong?
Matt Furlong is an American businessperson known for his leadership roles at Amazon, GameStop, Shutterstock, and ecoATM.
What companies has Matt Furlong worked for?
He has held leadership positions at Procter & Gamble, Amazon, GameStop, Shutterstock, and ecoATM.
When did Matt Furlong become CEO of GameStop?
He was appointed CEO of GameStop in June 2021.
Why did Matt Furlong leave GameStop?
He was terminated by the company’s board of directors “without cause” in June 2023.
What is Matt Furlong’s current role?
As of September 2025, Matt Furlong serves as the CEO of ecoATM.
What industries has Matt Furlong influenced?
Furlong has significantly impacted the retail, e-commerce, and sustainability industries through his executive leadership roles.
