Levi Strauss & Co. taps Skechers veteran for C-suite role
Levi Strauss & Co. has named its next finance chief.
The apparel and denim giant has appointed John Vandemore as executive VP and chief financial officer, effective Nov, 1. Vandemore joins Levi Strauss & Co. from Skechers, where he has served as chief financial officer for the past nine years, leading the company's global financial organization.
Levi Strauss & Co. says that with Vandemore as finance chief, Skechers grew to become the world’s third-largest footwear brand with a presence in over 180 countries, and nearly tripled revenues to over $9 billion.
“We are thrilled to welcome John at a pivotal moment for our company,” said Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We are building a more direct-to-consumer business, unlocking the full potential of the Levi’s brand and transforming Levi Strauss & Co. into the world’s leading denim lifestyle retailer. John’s deep financial, operational and consumer experience, combined with his proven ability to help global brands scale and grow profitably, makes him the ideal partner to help us realize our ambition of becoming a $10 billion company.”
[READ MORE: Levi Strauss & Co. modernizes global ERP; eyes digital DTC business]
Prior to joining Skechers, Vandemore served as executive VP and chief financial officer of global brands and commercial sales at toy giant Mattel Inc. He also previously served as chief financial officer and treasurer of International Game Technology, and in finance and operational leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, including as chief financial officer of Walt Disney Imagineering.
In April, the company announced that Harmit Singh, chief financial & growth officer, intended to retire after a planned transition period. Singh will remain in his current role until Vandemore joins Levin Strauss & Co., and will then remain a special advisor to the company through Nov. 30 to ensure a smooth transition. He has spent nearly 14 years with the company.
“Levi Strauss & Co. is an iconic company with an unmatched heritage, a globally renowned brand and a clear strategy that is delivering strong momentum and results,” said Vandemore. “I have long admired the Levi’s brand and am excited to join Michelle and the team and contribute to strengthening consumer connections, accelerating profitable growth and creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Headquartered in San Francisco, Levi Strauss & Co. operates approximately 3,300 retail stores and shop-in-shops worldwide. Its products are sold in approximately 120 countries.
