HanesBrands taps former Walmart chief merchant as CEO

HanesBrands Inc. has ended its search for a new chief executive.

The global apparel marketer appointed Stephen Bratspies as CEO and board member, effective August 3. He succeeds Gerald Evans Jr., who previously announced his retirement after 37 years with the company

Most recently, Bratspies served as chief merchandising officer at Walmart Inc. He joined the retail giant in 2005 and held several leadership positions at the company in marketing, dry grocery and general merchandise, including serving as executive VP of food for Walmart U.S., before being appointed as chief merchant in October 2015. Bratspies left Walmart in January 2020 amid a leadership shuffle. 

Earlier in his career, Bratspies served as chief marketing officer for Specialty Brands, held various management positions at PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America division, and was a management consultant with A.T. Kearney.

“Steve is an experienced global leader, has a strong vision for the future of consumer products businesses, and has an extensive track record of success in senior management roles across a number of critical business disciplines,” said Ronald L. Nelson, chairman, HanesBrands. “He has tackled complex business challenges and consistently delivered superior results across a multitude of consumer product categories. We are confident that Steve is the ideal CEO to lead Hanes forward as we focus on our strong portfolio of consumer brands across the globe, rapid online growth, and strong cash flow model.” 

HanesBrands, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., is a leading marketer of everyday basic innerwear and activewear apparel in the Americas, Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific. The company sells its products under a variety of brands, including Hanes, Champion, Bonds, DIM,Maidenform, Bali, Playtex, Lovable, Bras NThings, Nur Die/Nur Der, Alternative, L’eggs, JMS/Just My Size, Wonderbra, Berlei, and Gear for Sports.