The US denim group Levi’s Strauss & Co has found its future managing director in Michelle Gass.
The previous CEO of US retailer Kohl’s will join the company’s board of directors on January 2nd. In the newly created role of president, she will report directly to CEO Chip Bergh, whom she is expected to succeed within the next 18 months, Levi’s Strauss said on Tuesday.
Gass will be responsible for leading the Levi’s brand and the company’s global digital and commercial operations.
“Michelle’s extensive retail and omnichannel experience combined with her track record of building brands and meaningful innovation is a perfect match for the skills we need to lead this business over the long term and create meaningful value for our stakeholders,” said Bob Eckert, chairman of the board of directors of Levi Strauss & Co.
Manager with extensive retail experience
According to her profile on the LinkedIn careers network, the future managing director has been a managing director at Kohl’s Corporation since 2018. Here she achieved significant success in expanding the digital business and launching the cosmetics brand Sephora. During her time at the US retailer, Gass managed to position the company with a transformational strategy for long-term growth, Levi’s Strauss said. In her almost 17 years at Starbucks, she previously held numerous management positions, most recently as President of the business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
She will work closely with Bergh during the transition period before assuming the CEO post.
“One of my greatest legacies at LS&Co. will be my successor, passing the baton to someone who will take the company to the next level. I look forward not only to having Michelle as my successor, but also to the opportunity to work closely with her during the transition,” Bergh said of his successor.