Today we announced that Chip Bergh has decided to retire from Levi Strauss & Co. as of April 26. In anticipation of Chip’s retirement, the company’s board of directors has elected Michelle Gass, currently the company’s president, to succeed Chip as president and chief executive officer effective January 29, completing the transition plan announced on November 8, 2022. In addition, the board has elected Chip as executive vice chair of the board until his retirement date. Thereafter, Chip will transition to the role of senior advisor to the board and CEO until the end of the company’s 2024 fiscal year.
“We would like to thank Chip for his inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to the company over the last 12-plus years,” said Bob Eckert, chairman of the LS&Co. Board of Directors. “Chip has transformed this company and will leave it far better than when he arrived. I know we will continue to benefit from Chip’s strategic perspective as he continues to serve on the company’s board.”
Bob added, “We are thrilled to have Michelle become LS&Co.’s next CEO. This was a well-executed transition that required great humility and teamwork between Chip and Michelle, and it couldn’t have gone better. Over the last year, we have seen the significant impact Michelle has had on sharpening the Levi’s® brand vision as a ‘denim lifestyle’ leader while also positioning it to respond to fast-changing consumer needs and expectations across global markets. We’re confident that Michelle’s extensive retail and omni-channel experience will position LS&Co. to thrive in its next phase of growth.”
For more details, see the press release.
