Mackey J. McDonald, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VF Corporation announced the election of Clarence Otis, Jr. to the Company's Board of Directors. This brings to 12 the number of directors on the Company's Board.
Otis, 47 has been Executive Vice President of Darden Restaurants, Inc., the largest casual dining company in the world, since March 2002. Since December 2002 he has served has President of the Smokey Bones Restaurant Division, which operates over 50 restaurants throughout the U.S. He was Senior Vice President of Darden from 1999 until March 2002 and Darden's Chief Financial Officer from 1999 until December 2002. He joined Darden in 1995 as Vice President and Treasurer. Otis is a director of Travelers Property Casualty Corp. He is also a member of various associations, including the Financial Executive Institute and Executive Leadership Council and is a member of the New York Bar.
“Clarence has an exceptionally diversified background, encompassing finance, law and operations. His experience in fostering innovation within his division and creating strong brand equity with consumers will dovetail perfectly with our own strengths and challenges,” said Mr. McDonald.
