VF Corp. on Thursday announced that the company’s chairman, president and CEO Steve Rendle has been recognized by Corporate Responsibility (CR) Magazine as a Responsible CEO of the Year. The annual awards are given to corporate leaders who are committed to a progressive environmental, social and governance agenda.
Rendle was recognized in the public company category and was one of six CEOs honored on Oct. 24 at CR Magazine’s awards gala at MGM National Harbor near Washington, D.C.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award, and I extend my sincere gratitude to my 70,000 colleagues around the world who help to advance VF’s purpose-led journey every day,” said Rendle. “We are committed to operating our business in ways that contribute to the betterment of people and our planet and to setting a high standard for inclusive and thoughtful leadership that inspires others to follow.”
Through this award, Rendle is identified as a chief executive who visibly exceeds standards in the areas of employee relations, environmental impact and sustainability, human rights, philanthropy and corporate responsibility practices. Rendle was nominated by fellow members of the CR community and selected by an independent judging panel that includes former honorees.
Rendle was appointed CEO of VF in January 2017 following nearly two decades with the company and more than 30 years of experience in the outdoor and action sports industry. As CEO, Rendle has led VF’s business transformation to become a purpose-led organization with a strengthened commitment to sustainable, ethical and responsible business practices while also creating value for its stakeholders, shareholders, consumers and employees.
Under Rendle’s leadership, the company launched its Made for Change sustainability and responsibility strategy in 2017 and charted a course to lead the apparel and footwear industry toward a more sustainable future. He also launched the company’s first corporate purpose which is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet.
VF has a proven history of environmental and socially responsible leadership and has been recognized by some of the world’s leading authorities on corporate social responsibility. In 2018, VF was named one of CR Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens, Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies and Forbes’ and Just Capital’s America’s Most Just Companies. VF consistently ranks as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality based on ratings in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual Corporate Equality Index.
