Kohl’s CEO Leaves for Levi Strauss

Levi Strauss & Co. (San Francisco) has hired Michelle Gass for the new position of President, LS&Co., reporting to Chip Bergh, President and CEO. Gass will oversee the Levi’s brand and the company’s global digital and commercial operations.

With this announcement, the board of directors has put in motion a succession plan for Gass to succeed Bergh as CEO within the next 18 months. Gass will begin her role with the company Jan. 2 and is also expected to join the LS&Co. board on that date. (At Kohl’s, Gass will be replaced on an interim basis by Senior Executive VP Tom Kingsbury until a permanent successor is named.)

“Michelle’s deep retail and omnichannel experience combined with her track record of building brands and meaningful innovation is a perfect fit for the skills needed to lead this company for the long term and create significant value for our stakeholders,” says Bob Eckert, LS&Co. chairman

In addition to her stint at Kohl’s, Gass worked at Starbucks, where she held numerous leadership roles over nearly 17 years.

“With the Levi’s brand stronger than ever, Dockers reinvigorated and the Beyond Yoga acquisition expanding the company’s addressable market, I look forward to working alongside Chip and his talented team to realize the incredible potential for the business in the years to come,” Gass says.

Levi Strauss & Co.’s jeans and other apparel are sold in more than 110 countries through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online and a global footprint of approximately 3100 retail stores and shop-in-shops.