Erling Persson (21 January 1917 – 28 October 2002) was the founder of H&M (Hennes & Mauritz). ^{[1] [2]} He got the idea following a post- World War II trip to the United States: He was impressed by the country's efficient, high-volume stores. ^[2]

He established the company in Västerås, Sweden, in 1947 selling women's clothing, calling it Hennes, Swedish for "hers." In 1968, Persson acquired the premises and inventory of a Stockholm hunting equipment store named Mauritz Widforss. In 1982, his son, Stefan Persson took over as the managing director, and today is the chairman of the board. ^[2] The Persson family owns about 47% of the company and has a 74% voting rights. ^[3]

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