Levi Strauss hires Skechers CFO John Vandemore, Derek Lam returns to label
Levi Strauss appointed Skechers CFO John Vandemore as executive vice president and chief financial officer effective Nov. 1, and Derek Lam returned to Derek Lam 10 Crosby as creative director after NYC Alliance’s May acquisition. During his nine years at Skechers, Vandemore helped expand the footwear company to more than 180 countries and over 5,000 stores, while revenue nearly tripled to exceed $9 billion.
Harmit Singh, Levi Strauss’ current EVP and CFO, announced his retirement in April and will stay until Vandemore joins before serving as a special adviser through Nov. 30, while CEO Michelle Gass said Vandemore’s experience will help the brand reach its $10 billion ambition. Derek Lam will oversee creative direction at Derek Lam 10 Crosby, with his first collection under NYC Alliance slated for fall 2027. NYC Alliance plans to expand the label through its global distribution network and omnichannel capabilities, broaden product assortment, enter additional markets and reach new sales channels.
“John’s deep financial, operational and consumer experience, combined with his proven ability to help global brands scale and grow profitably, makes him the ideal partner to help us realize our ambition of becoming a $10 billion company,” Michelle Gass, Levi Strauss president and CEO said.
“From the beginning, we had a very clear vision for Derek Lam 10 Crosby’s future. Bringing Derek back was central to that vision,” Wen Huang, NYC Alliance head of branding and marketing said.
Lam’s return follows NYC Alliance’s acquisition of Derek Lam 10 Crosby in May. Vandemore will succeed Harmit Singh, Levi Strauss’ executive vice president and chief financial and growth officer, who announced plans to retire in April.
What we know
John Vandemore’s appointment as Levi Strauss EVP and CFO is effective Nov. 1.
Harmit Singh announced his retirement from Levi Strauss in April.
John Vandemore served as Skechers CFO for nine years.
Under Vandemore’s tenure, Skechers expanded to more than 180 countries, over 5,000 stores, and revenue exceeded $9 billion.
Derek Lam’s first collection for Derek Lam 10 Crosby under NYC Alliance is scheduled for fall 2027.