The appointment of a new CEO for Levi Strauss & Co. was announced following the retirement of Chip Bergh. The newly appointed CEO, Michelle Gass, had previously served as president of the company.
Gass assumed her role as CEO on January 29. She succeeded Chip Bergh, who had led the company as president and CEO for 12.5 years, according to a news release. Immediately upon assuming office, Gass announced expansions to the company's executive leadership team.
"I'm thrilled and honored to guide Levi Strauss & Co. into its next era of growth. LS&Co. is a destination for the very best talent because of its history, its products and its values, and this past year I’ve had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in the business and meet so many members of our exceptional teams around the world. I cannot wait to see what we achieve together. The addition of Kenny Mitchell and Dawn Vitale, as well as our new CEO of Beyond Yoga, Nancy Green, brings decades more of proven retail and consumer obsession to an already strong executive leadership team," Gass said in a statement released on January 29.
Kenny Mitchell joined Levi Strauss & Co. in March 2023 according to his LinkedIn page post. He currently serves as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer.
Mitchell departed from Snap after four years where he served various roles including VP of Marketing – Brand Content and Engagement for McDonalds, Head of Global Consumer Engagement for Gatorade Bolt, and Managing Director of Brand & Consumer Marketing for NASCAR.
Dawn Vitale is currently serving as Levi Strauss & Co.'s chief merchandising officer. She initially joined the company in August 2018 as Vice President before being promoted to Senior Vice President of Global Merchandising in May 2022. Prior to joining Levi Strauss & Co., Vitale worked for PVH Corp, managing brands like Calvin Klein Jeans and Tommy Jeans. She also had a three-year stint at Gap Inc., and previously worked as a merchandiser for Levi Strauss and Co from November 2006-2008.