The VF Corporation has appointed Doug Palladini to a big new job – Global President for Vans.
Doug spent the past three years as VP/GM for North America. Before that, he spent nearly a decade as VP of Global Marketing.
In his new role Doug will report to Kevin Bailey, who previously held the title of Global President of Vans and President of the Action Sports Coalition.
Kevin reports to Scott Baxter, who was recently named Group President of VF’s Outdoor and Action Sports Coalition for the Americas.
Doug will be responsible for product and marketing globally as well as maintain direct responsibility for sales in the Americas. He will also set the strategic vision for the brand globally.
From what I understand, Vans will be looking for a new VP/GM of North America, the position previously held by Doug.
Vans generates over $2 billion in annual revenue.
For those who want to know more about Doug and his vision for Vans, listen to our previous podcast interview with him here.
Here is the official press release:
Vans® Appoints Doug Palladini as New Global Brand President
12-Year Vans Veteran Ideally Suited to Continue the Brand’s Growth and Expansion
Cypress, Calif. (August 1, 2016) – Vans®, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, and VF Corporation’s Action Sports President Kevin Bailey, today announced the appointment of Doug Palladini to the position of Vans Global Brand President, effective immediately. A long-time leader within the brand, Palladini’s experience and passion will continue to propel Vans as the global icon of creative expression.
As the Global Brand President, Palladini will lead and manage the strategic direction of Vans globally, while enabling the regional teams to develop and deliver local strategies to drive continued worldwide growth. Palladini will also oversee global marketing and product and will maintain direct responsibility for sales in the Americas.
“Over the course of his 12-year tenure, Doug has made significant contributions to Vans’ brand identity and business growth,” said Bailey, who has held the position of Vans president since 2009. “His remarkable leadership and deep connection to Vans’ heritage will serve him well as he shapes the future of the brand for our employees and consumers around the world.”
Palladini joined Vans in 2004 spending nine years leading the Vans Global Marketing function and has served as Vice President, General Manager for the Vans North America region since 2013. His work in marketing transformed Vans into a youth culture icon activating projects within the brand’s cultural pillars of action sports, art, music and street culture. As the Vans North America leader, Palladini carved out local strategies for the U.S., Canada and Mexico, accelerating the region’s growth, which has propelled the brand to $2.2 billion in sales.
“Vans immediately became a part of my life when I moved to California at age six and bought my first skateboard. After college, working at action sports magazines, I got to know incredible Vans athletes such as Geoff Rowley and Jamie Lynn and the company itself, which led to a very personal connection with the brand early in my career,” shared Palladini. “Now, in my thirteenth year as a Vans employee, to be in a position to lead this brand is a tremendous honor. I have learned that Vans has a truly remarkable ability to connect with people in a sincere and meaningful way, and I am humbled by the responsibility I have been given to harness and expand that energy.”
A veteran of the action sports industry with almost 30 years of leadership, Palladini will continue to focus on Vans’ rich consumer connectivity as the brand looks to set the foundation for the next 50 years of “Off The Wall” experiences.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates nearly 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour®, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.
