Edwards has previously served as a strategic advisor to direct-to-consumer brands and investment firms. From 2013 until 2018, he was the president of Nike, Inc, reporting directly to the CEO, with oversight of the geographic regions, category business, direct-to-consumer units, product and merchandising divisions, global marketing, sales, and digital technology. Between 1992 and 2013, he held other leadership roles at Nike including EVP global brand and category management, chief marketing officer, vice president marketing (US), and vice president marketing (EMEA).
Edwards began his professional career at Colgate Palmolive in 1986, and served in positions of increasing responsibility, including global business development manager. He currently serves on the board of directors of Funko and previously served on Mattel’s board of directors, the company said in a press release.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Edwards to our board. He is a highly accomplished executive with extensive experience in apparel and footwear that will be valuable to VF as we continue to deepen our brands’ relationships with consumers, strengthen product innovation, and improve operational effectiveness. His experience will further strengthen the board’s depth of talent and is part of the board’s ongoing work to evaluate and regularly refresh its composition to ensure depth of expertise and diversity of perspectives,” chair of the VF board, Richard Carucci, said.
“I am excited to join the VF Board at such an important time and look forward to contributing my experience and insights as the company looks to deepen its connections with consumers and adapt to evolving marketplace dynamics,” said Edwards. “Having worked in the apparel and footwear industry for decades, I know and respect VF’s well-earned reputation and am a personal fan of its iconic brands and its purpose-driven culture. I’m eager to work alongside VF’s strong board and management team to build on that legacy and deliver stronger returns for shareholders.”
With the addition of Edwards, VF has appointed three new directors to its board over the past 18 months who collectively bring experience in footwear and apparel, retail, design, technology, and sustainability.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)