VF Corp. said it is splitting up its Outdoor Americas division, replacing it with two new divisions, or coalitions, Outdoor Americas and Action Sports Americas, effective Feb. 1. Steve Rendle, president of The North Face, will become president of the new Outdoor Americas coalition, which will include The North Face, JanSport and Eagle Creek. Stephen Murray, president of the Vans brand, will oversee the Action Sports coalition, which will include Vans and Reef. Dave Gatto, current president of VF Outdoor America, is leaving the company.
“VFs Outdoor coalition has enjoyed significant success over the past five years, achieving scale in both the outdoor and action sports industries,” said Eric Wiseman, VFs chairman and chief executive officer. “To align our coalition structure to best capture future opportunities in these industries, we are replacing the Outdoor Americas coalition with two separate coalitions: Outdoor Americas and Action Sports Americas.”
According to the company's statement, Rendle will be responsible for the continued expansion of The North Face, JanSport and Eagle Creek brands. Rendle, 49, joined The North Face in 1999 and “has been a key leader behind the successful growth of the business since its acquisition by VF in 2000.” He also has held leading sales management roles at both Youngone Corporation and W.L. Gore and Associates prior to joining The North Face. He will continue to be based in San Leandro, CA. The company called The North Face “one of VFs fastest-growing brands.”
Murray, 48, who had been president of Vans since the brand was acquired by VF in 2004, will lead the continued growth and development of the Vans and Reef brands. Murray has been with Vans since 1998, when he served as chief marketing officer and senior vice president international. Prior to joining Vans, Murray was vice president of global apparel at Reebok. Murray will continue to be based in Cypress, CA. The company said Vans has “shown tremendous growth” since being acquired.
Regarding Dave Gatto's exit from the company, Wiseman said, “Dave has been a strong leader of our Outdoor Americas coalition. We thank Dave for his many accomplishments over his 4 years with VF and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
In addition, to further support the continued growth of its international business, VF has promoted Martino Scabbia Guerrini, 44, currently President VF International Sportswear and Packs, to president Sportswear and Contemporary Brands EMEA coalition, another new VF coalition. In addition to continuing to lead the Kipling, Napapijri and Eastpak brands, “which have enjoyed superior growth in recent years,” he will also oversee the expansion of the 7 For All Mankind brand in EMEA. Prior to joining VF in 2006, Scabbia Guerrini held executive positions with Bruno Magli SpA and TODs SpA. He will continue to be based in Lugano, Switzerland, reporting to Karl Heinz Salzburger, President VF International.
“These moves recognize the superior performance of our outdoor brands and our confidence in continuing our strong international momentum,” said Wiseman. “Each of these outstanding leaders is a key contributor to the success of VFs growth plan, and I am confident in their ability to manage through these turbulent times to ensure the long-term success of our businesses.”
