Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has announced strategic leadership changes to streamline decision-making, drive operational excellence and align its structure with its strategic priorities.
“Over the past year, we’ve made bold moves to transform Levi Strauss & Co. into a world-class denim lifestyle retailer, and we’re seeing the results,” said Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We believe success is built on clarity of purpose and the ability to adapt, and that’s exactly what we’re doing — aligning our structure with our strategy to drive sustainable, profitable growth. We have built a team that is agile, focused and ready to execute on our strategies while keeping our consumer at the heart of it all. By putting our fans at the center of every decision, we are shaping Levi’s not just as the denim leader but as an iconic lifestyle brand for generations to come.”
Key organizational changes include the following:
Karyn Hillman‘s role as chief product officer has expanded to include Merchandising and Design. Hillman is now responsible for the overall vision, priorities and roadmap for Levi’s products and the brand. The architect of Levi’s design aesthetic, Hillman is a veteran merchant with over three decades of design and merchandising experience who has had a successful track record in helping build global brands, creating compelling and innovative product assortments, optimizing go-to-market strategies, and driving results.
Jason Gowans’ role has also expanded. He is now the company’s chief digital and technology officer. Gowans will oversee the company’s digital and enterprise technology functions, helping the company streamline processes, unify data and enhance LS&Co’s digital capabilities and operations across all platforms.
Harmit Singh’s chief financial and growth officer role has expanded to include oversight of LS&Co. ‘s Transformation program to accelerate improvements in the company’s structural economics, supporting growth and profitability goals. Singh will also lead the expansion of the shared services model, building global talent hubs worldwide.
Gianluca Flore, chief commercial officer, has expanded his scope and will now oversee Licensing and Planning, which will drive tighter alignment between sales and inventory, directive assortment and accountability for inventory management.
Bernard Bedon has been appointed chief human resources officer, effective March 3. Bedon will report to Gass and join the company’s executive leadership team. Bedon has nearly 30 years of HR experience and is known for leading complex global change initiatives, effectively building and developing high-performing teams and supporting strong performance through transformations. Bedon joins LS&Co. from Nike, where he most recently served as lead human resources business partner (HRBP) for the company and supported over 81,000 employees. Bedon also served as lead HRBP for Nike’s Consumer & Marketplace team, Global sales team and the Jordan and Converse brands.
Liz O’Neill, chief operations officer, has announced her intention to retire from LS&Co. after nearly 12 years. To further streamline the company’s structure and ways of working, the company is replacing the position with a new chief supply chain officer, who will be responsible for supply chain agility, improving service levels, fostering innovation, and optimizing cost structure.
LS&Co. brands are among iconic in the apparel industry and include Levi’s, Dockers, Beyond Yoga, and Levi Strauss Signature.
Images courtesy LS&Co.
