VF Corporation announced a new organizational structure for its international outdoor business, which is headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland and includes the international operations of the Companys JanSport®, The North Face®, Eastpak®, Nautica®, Kipling®, Vans®, Reef® and Napapijri® brands.
“Our Outdoor International business has experienced explosive growth during the last several years,” noted Karl Heinz Salzburger, President International Outdoor Coalition. “To accomplish future growth opportunities and maximize our brand focus, our brands will now be grouped into three business areas: Outdoor International, Action Sports International and Sportswear International.”
Accordingly, the following appointments were announced:
Outdoor International. Topher Gaylord, (36), is promoted to President Outdoor International. Previously, Gaylord served as Vice President/General Manager The North Face. In addition to his responsibilities for The North Face business internationally, he will also assume responsibility for the JanSport® brand.
Action Sports International. Martin Berendsen, (55), is named President – Action Sports International, with responsibility for driving brand strategies for all action sports brands internationally, including Vans®, Reef® and Eastpak®. Berendsen comes to VF after serving in a variety of executive positions, including President of the Caterpillar Footwear USA division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and CEO of Dr. Martens Airwair USA LLC, a division of Griggs Group UK. He has also held executive roles in the international operations of Reebok and Rockport.
Sportswear International. On an interim basis VFs international Sportswear unit, which includes the international operations of the Companys Napapijri® and Kipling® brands, and the European business of Nautica®, will continue to be headed by Karl Heinz Salzburger.
Gaylord and Berendsen will report to Salzburger, President of VFs Outdoor Coalition – International.
