Levi Strauss & Co announces board leadership transition

15 Mar '21

2 min read

Stephen Neal; Pic: Levi Strauss & Co

Levi Strauss & Co, a US-based apparel company, has announced a transition of the leadership of its board of directors. Stephen Neal, current board chair, will be stepping down on March 26, 2021, after reaching the mandatory board retirement age of 72. The board has unanimously appointed Robert “Bob” A Eckert to succeed Neal effective March 26, 2021.

“It has been an honour to lead the Levi Strauss & Co board over the last decade. As I step down from this role, I have great confidence that Bob will continue to bring a high standard, invaluable perspective and strong leadership that will help management drive performance over the coming years,” Neal said in a press release.

“Neal has been instrumental to our successful turnaround over the last decade, including playing a key role in taking the company public. He has guided us through countless strategic decisions and supported our commitment to our values every step of the way,” Chip Bergh, president and chief executive officer of Levi Strauss & Co, said.

“As Neal retires as board chair, we are lucky to have Bob step into this role. Bob has been a successful CEO and brings decades of experience with other large, global companies and more than 10 years of experience on our board. He understands our business, our strategies and our culture, and is the ideal person to lead the board into the future.”

In addition to his service on the Levi Strauss & Co board, Eckert previously served as chairman of the board of Mattel, from May 2000 until December 2012 and was chief executive officer there from May 2000 until December 2011. Prior to joining Mattel, he worked for Kraft Foods, for 23 years, including serving as its president and chief executive officer from October 1997 until May 2000.

“Levi Strauss & Co is an iconic, global company that I’ve come to know well over my decade of service on the board,” Eckert said in the release. “I look forward to continuing to work with the board and the leadership team in service to our shareholders and other stakeholders, and in support of the company’s long-standing commitment to delivering profits through principles.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JL)

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