Michelle Gass Succeeds Chip Bergh in the role of CEO at Levi Strauss

Levi Strauss & Co. disclosed Chip Bergh’s decision to retire from the U.S.-based company effective April 26, 2024, with Michelle Gass, presently serving as president, set to assume the CEO role starting January 29.

Michelle Gass, appointed president in January, has overseen the Levi’s brand, including product, merchandising, marketing functions, and the company’s digital and global commercial operations, collaborating closely with Bergh.

Moreover, the board has appointed Bergh as Executive Vice Chair until his retirement, after which he will transition to the role of Senior Advisor until the end of the company’s 2024 fiscal year, the San Francisco-headquartered company shared.

Bob Eckert, Chair of the Levi Strauss board of directors, expressed gratitude for Bergh’s inspirational leadership and steadfast dedication over his more than 12 years with the company. Eckert commended Bergh’s transformative impact, stating that Levi Strauss is notably better under his stewardship. He also anticipated ongoing benefits from Bergh’s strategic insights as he remains on the company’s board.

During his tenure, Bergh is acknowledged for steering Levi’s transformation into “one of the world’s premier apparel companies,” expanding Levi’s business from primarily U.S. men’s wholesale bottoms to a global, direct-to-consumer-oriented enterprise and reinvigorating the women’s business.

The company highlighted Bergh’s efforts in revitalizing Levi’s brand, executed through strategic endeavors such as securing naming rights for Levi’s Stadium and strengthening the brand’s ties within the music industry.

Under Bergh’s guidance, Levi Strauss went public again with an IPO in March 2019 and augmented its brand portfolio by acquiring Beyond Yoga in 2021.

Expressing gratitude, Bergh mentioned, “It has been an incredible privilege to lead this great company as CEO for the last 12 years.” He credited his team, the board of directors, and the family shareholders for their enduring support. Bergh emphasized the Levi’s brand’s current strength and acknowledged the need for new leadership, expressing confidence in Michelle Gass. He cited her experience, innovation, and commitment as key to positioning the company for sustainable growth and shareholder value creation.

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