Before the ink was dry on analysts’ notepads who participated in the conference call with VF Corp.’s senior management on October 30, at least one now-former Vans manager knew exactly how he would land after the skate footwear brand became the focal point of conversation surrounding the company’s turnaround plan and what it would take to get it right.
While the world heard that Vans Global Brand President Kevin Bailey was departing his role for a strategic assignment, former Vans sales director Lance Eddy was trying on his new RVCA duds, readying for his next gig as sales director of the street and beach lifestyle apparel brand.
On October 25, Eddy sounded off on LinkedIn, letting the world know that on the previous Wednesday, it had been his last day working for Vans. “This year marks 21 years in total working for this amazing brand,” Eddy shared. “My first 10 years as an independent sales rep, and my last 11 years working in-house as a key account manager and sales director.”
In between, Eddy was national sales manager for Sole Technology for over five years before getting pulled back to work at Vans.
“When I first started with the company, there were very few skate shops in the U.S. that carried Vans,” Eddy continued in his post. “It was a different time for skateboarding and Vans. Consumers had forgotten about Vans.”
But the week started with a more positive tone. “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Sales Director at RVCA!” making Monday a good day for at least one person who worked at Vans.
Photos courtesy RVCA, Lance Eddy
