Kontoor Brands, Inc., parent of the Wrangler and Lee denim brands, appointed Tom Waldron as chief operating officer (COO), effective March 19, 2024, and promoted two others to Waldron’s new executive leadership team. Christopher Waldeck is leaving the company.
“We are further advancing our operating model in conjunction with Project Jeanius to simplify our organization and increase speed and efficiency,” said Scott Baxter, president, CEO and chair, Kontoor Brands. “As the next step, I am pleased to announce that Tom Waldron has been appointed to the position of chief operating officer of Kontoor Brands. This appointment helps to bring together our business and support the next phase of growth and value creation at Kontoor.”
As COO, Waldron will assume responsibility for Wrangler and Lee globally. In addition, he will maintain oversight of the company’s global supply chain operations.
“Tom is an exceptionally talented business leader who has led Wrangler’s return to growth and strong profitability, while guiding our business through an uncertain global operating environment,” said Baxter. “I have great confidence that his 30 years of experience and incredible passion for our business will help accelerate growth and successfully drive our brands going forward.”
“It continues to be a privilege to work with Scott and our incredible global workforce to shape the next chapter of Kontoor’s value-creation journey,” said Waldron. “I look forward to expanding my responsibilities within the organization to facilitate improved operating efficiency and position our business for future growth.”
As Kontoor embarks on this multi-year transformation initiative, Jenni Broyles was appointed to EVP, global brands president, Wrangler & Lee. Additionally, Ezio Garciamendez was appointed tEVP, chief supply chain officer. As members of the executive leadership team, Broyles and Garciamendez will report to Tom Waldron.
Broyles has been the SVP at Wrangler since 2022 where she strengthened the business as North American general manager, while also having leadership accountability for category and channel expansion, design and marketing. Broyles has held various roles of increasing responsibility in brand management, marketing and merchandising for both the Wrangler and Lee businesses since joining the organization in 2005.
Garciamendez, who joined Kontoor Brands in 2022 as SVP, chief supply chain officer, has reportedly been instrumental in enhancing efficiencies and simplifying processes across Kontoor’s supply chain, including global sourcing and internal manufacturing. Before Kontoor, Garciamendez was the global operations SVP at Melaleuca as well as held leadership positions at Procter & Gamble.
“I’m thrilled to have incredible leaders like Jenni and Ezio take on expanded roles as we partner together to transform the business for the future,” said Waldron. “Together, we will work to drive greater efficiency in the business while continuing to position our brands and our business to win.”
Christopher Waldeck, previously EVP, co-COO, global brand president at Lee, will be stepping down from his role but will stay on with Kontoor through June to ensure a smooth transition to the new operating structure.
“We want to thank Chris for his contributions over the past five years and wish him success in the future,” said Baxter.
Image courtesy Kontoor Brands
