VF Corp. announced the appointment of Brendan Sullivan to the position of president of Sportswear. He succeeds Karen Murray who is becoming a senior brand advisor to the Sportswear organization.
Sullivan previously served as VF’s vice president, direct-to-consumer. In his new Sportswear leadership role, he is responsible for the global Nautica brand and the Kipling brand in North America. Sullivan will report to Curt Holtz, president of Imagewear, Jeans and Sportswear Brands.
“Brendan is a proven leader, with a track record of success in VF and the retail industry,” said Holtz. “He understands the power of the Nautica and Kipling Brands, and his experience in today’s dynamic in-store and online consumer environment provide him with an ideal skill set to lead and grow VF’s Sportswear organization.”
Sullivan joined VF in 2007 as vice president, Retail Services. He led the Direct-to-Consumer business for VF’s Contemporary and Timberland brands and later focused on VF’s Direct-to-Consumer European business. Prior to working at VF, Sullivan held various retail roles at leading companies including the Borders Group and L Brands, where he focused on operations, merchandising and marketing.
“We are deeply appreciative of Karen’s nearly 10-year leadership of the Nautica brand and her key role in leading our Sportswear organization, and are pleased that Karen will continue to serve the business as a Senior Brand Advisor,” Holtz said. “Karen knows the brands, their heritage and the consumers we serve around the world. She understands the marketplace, and she has worked with her teams to position the brand for accelerated growth.”
“I am proud to have been part of VF Corporation, working on the Nautica and Kipling brands for nearly a decade,” Murray said. “With Brendan at the helm, he will accelerate direct-to-consumer growth, and I am looking forward to partnering with him on the transition.”
Nina Flood, President of Kipling North America, also will report to Sullivan.
Lead photo courtesy Nautica
