Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh is retiring.
Bergh will resign from his position on April 26, 2024, US denim company Levi’s Strauss & Co announced on Friday. He is leaving the company after more than twelve years. The company’s current president, Michelle Gass, will follow in his footsteps.
“We would like to thank Chip for his inspiring leadership and tireless commitment to the company over the past 12+ years,” said Bob Eckert, Chairman of the Board of Levi’s Strauss & Co. “Chip has transformed this company and will continue to transform it into a far better one Left in the same condition as he found it.”
The farewell does not come as a surprise, as it was already announced that Gass would succeed Bergh when she joined the company in November 2022. At the time it was said that she would take up the CEO position after 18 months. Now, the company’s Board of Directors has elected Gass to succeed Bergh as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 29, 2024, completing the previously announced transition plan.
“It has been an incredible privilege to lead this great company as CEO for the past 12 years. “I would especially like to thank my team, the board of directors and the family shareholders for their support over the years,” said Bergh. “As we evolve into an omnichannel company, the Levi’s brand has never been stronger. But it is now time for new leadership.”