Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) announced a series of executive changes this week.
Roy Bagattini, executive vice president and president for Levi Strauss Americas, is leaving LS&Co. to assume a group chief executive officer (CEO) position at Woolworths. Marc Rosen, executive vice president and president of direct-to-consumer, will fill in the role.
With Bagattini’s departure, Rosen will be responsible for leading the company’s largest commercial operations, spanning all brands and channels across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the balance of Latin America.
Rosen, a veteran retailer who has held roles in e-commerce and international expansion at Walmart, will retain leadership of the direct-to-consumer business. He has led LS&Co.’s direct-to-consumer business through 15 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth.
In 2019, LS&Co. acquired all operating assets related to Levi’s and Dockers brands from The Jeans Company (TJC), which it used for distribution in South America. The $35 million acquisition spanned roughly 80 Levi’s and Dockers retail stores, distribution with the region’s leading multi-brand retailers and the logistical operations in these markets.
The transaction could contribute to a roughly $20 million revenue hit in the second half of 2019, the company said.
“Marc’s passion for the consumer, paired with his extensive experience working with wholesale customers, makes him the perfect choice to lead our largest and most complex business,” Chip Bergh, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., said.
Bagattini’s last day is Feb. 16. During his tenure, he served in numerous roles and helped set the strategic foundation for a strong, diversified business, Bergh said.
“Today, we are set up for continued success,” he said. “I am grateful for Roy’s contributions to the strong foundation now in place at LS&Co., and I know that he will be a high-impact CEO in his next role.”
