US' Levi Strauss names Michelle Gass as president

With this announcement, the board of directors has put in motion a succession plan for Gass to succeed Bergh as CEO within the next 18 months. Gass will begin her role with the company on January 2, 2023, and is expected to join the board of directors on her start date. Gass brings exceptional direct-to-consumer experience to Levi Strauss, having led the transformation strategy at Kohl’s to position the company for long-term profitable growth. She has driven a significant reinvention effort for more than 1,100 Kohl’s stores, while growing the digital business at a double-digit compounded annual growth rate to more than $6 billion. She has also led a number of strategic innovations at Kohl’s, including the introduction of Amazon returns and spearheading the long-term strategic partnership with Sephora, which has expanded to 600 Sephora at Kohl’s shops, according to a press release by Levi.

Gass has an MBA from the University of Washington, Michael G. Foster School of Business, and a B.S. in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In addition to serving on the PepsiCo. board of directors, she is also on the board of the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the National Retail Federation. She previously served on the Cigna and Ann boards of directors.

“We are delighted that an executive with Gass’ background, experience and stature is joining as president to work side-by-side with Chip for a meaningful transition period before becoming CEO. Gass’ deep retail and omni-channel experience combined with her track record of building brands and meaningful innovation is a perfect fit for the skills needed to lead this company for the long term and create significant value for our stakeholders,” Bob Eckert, chairman of the Levi Strass board of directors, said.

“One of my biggest legacies at Levi will be my successor, passing the baton to someone who will take the company to the next level. I am thrilled not just about Gass being my successor, but also about having the chance to work closely together during the transition. I have known Gass for a decade, and she has many of the qualities we value in our leaders: she is humble, approachable, transparent and driven by purpose and values. She has a track record of building brands and talent. Gass also brings more than 25 years of retail and omni-channel experience, along with a demonstrated track record of innovation, driving transformational ‘big ideas’ not just on products but also business models. With this move, I am even more confident in this company’s future,” Bergh said.

“I am thrilled to join Levi Strauss, with its iconic brands, incredible team and unwavering commitment to corporate citizenship. With the Levi’s brand stronger than ever, Dockers reinvigorated and the Beyond Yoga acquisition expanding the company’s addressable market, I look forward to working alongside Chip and his talented team to realise the incredible potential for the business in the years to come,” Gass said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)