Levi Strauss Names Former Skechers Executive as CFO

Levi Strauss has appointed John Vandemore as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 November 2026. 

The decision comes as the fashion brand continues to grow its direct-to-consumer business and plans to achieve US$10bn in annual revenue.

Discussing John’s appointment, Levi Strauss & Co. CEO Michelle Gass says: “We are thrilled to welcome John at a pivotal moment for our company.” 

She goes on to discuss how the new appointment marks the next step in the company's financial growth plans, saying the firm is “building a more direct-to-consumer business, unlocking the full potential of the Levi’s brand and transforming Levi Strauss & Co. into the world’s leading denim lifestyle retailer”.

John’s experience as a CFO

John joins Levi Strauss from Skechers U.S.A., where he has served as CFO for the past nine years. During his time as CFO, he oversaw the company’s global finance organisation as well as operations functions. 

Before working for Skechers, John served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Global Brands and Commercial Sales at Mattel.

He previously served as CFO and treasurer of International Game Technology and held several finance and operational positions at The Walt Disney Company, including CFO of Walt Disney Imagineering.

“John’s deep financial, operational and consumer experience… makes him the ideal partner to help us realise our ambition of becoming a US$10bn company,” Michelle adds.

John’s appointment follows Levi Strauss’s announcement in April that Harmit Singh, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Growth Officer, planned to retire following a transition period.

Harmit will remain in his current position until John joins the company and will then serve as a Special Advisor through 30 November 2026 to support the leadership transition.

Discussing his upcoming appointment, John says: “LS&Co. is an iconic company with an unmatched heritage, a globally renowned brand and a clear strategy that is delivering strong momentum and results.”

He goes on to praise Michelle and the wider company team, saying: “I have long admired the Levi’s brand and am excited to join Michelle and the team and contribute to strengthening consumer connections, accelerating profitable growth and creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Levi Strauss’s growth ambitions

John’s hiring comes as Levi Strauss continues its strategy of reducing its reliance on wholesale distribution and increasing the share of its own retail channels, as well as seeking to transform Levi’s into a lifestyle brand that goes beyond just jeans.

The move follows Levi’s reaching US$6bn in revenue at the end of 2025, an increase of 4% from the previous year and up 7% on an organic basis.

Net income from continuing operations reached US$502m, compared to US$210m in 2024.

In the first half of 2026, the company maintained its positive trajectory. The firm closed the first six months of the fiscal year with sales of US$3.3bn, up 11%, while net income reached US$263m, up 30%. Following these results, Levi Strauss raised its full-year guidance.

Speaking about the company in 2025, Michelle said: “We are very pleased with 2025. I would say it marked a true inflection point for the company and our sharpened focus. We made a number of moves [that] have unlocked stronger, more profitable growth.”

Levi Strauss & Co.’s key partners:

Marks & Spencer: Levi’s partnered with retailer Marks & Spencer to launch joint sustainability initiatives driving renewable energy adoption across shared supply chains.
CEO: Stuart Machin | Headquarters: London, UK

Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric collaborates with Levi’s on decarbonisation programs, helping apparel supply chain partners transition factories to clean renewable energy sources.
CEO: Olivier Blum | Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, France

Target: Target partnered with Levi’s to expand retail distribution, bringing Levi’s flagship denim lines to over 1,000 nationwide Target store locations.
CEO: Michael Fiddelke | Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, US