LS&Co. Unzipped
Jun 16 2011
A Look Back...and Ahead
I’m a lucky guy.
When I joined the Levi’s® brand back in 1979, I had no idea of the adventure ahead. I started as a product manager in my native Australia, and I write now as the president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co.
It’s been quite a ride, one on which I look back with tremendous pride.
My journey has taken me around the world many times over. After my Australian start, I eventually moved into merchandising, first in Europe and, then, in the U.S. Other stops along the way have included Canada, as general manager of Levi Strauss for that country and, then, as president of Levi Strauss for both Canada and Latin America. I’ve also served as interim president of Levi Strauss Europe for several months, head of the company’s Asia Pacific Division and Global Sourcing Organization.
Just thinking about the places I’ve been and people I’ve met while working for this company makes me appreciate the amazing opportunities and experiences I’ve had here.
A highlight? There are so many over the years, but several that stand out…
In 1991, I was actively involved in the launch of our Terms of Engagement. That’s when we took the labor, health, safety and environmental standards we used in our own factories and effectively told our vendors our standards were now theirs. This, then, became “the new normal” for most major apparel brands and in other industries. I’m also proud that we’ve recently initiated efforts to enhance these terms, to improve the workers’ everyday lives, beyond the factory walls.
Our expansion into China and our growth in India are very much highlights. I’m proud of not only growing our business, but also the personal relationships I’ve established in these countries – with both colleagues and our business partners.
Last year, we introduced Levi’s® Curve ID jeans for women, with a fit based on shape, not size. This addressed a challenge women have long had with blue jeans. And with Dockers®, we reinvigorated a category and expanded it to new markets and retailers. We’ve also launched a new brand, Denizen™, headquartered in Asia, now expanding to the U.S. and Mexico.
There’s a sense of momentum and excitement among our teams around the world. And for me, personally, it’s time for a new chapter in my life.
As you may know, I’ve made the decision to retire from this great company later this year. It seems like the right time. During my five years as president and CEO, we’ve made tremendous progress in preparing Levi Strauss & Co. for the future. And I leave behind a great leadership team, ready to move the company forward. I couldn’t be more pleased with what we’ve accomplished together.
When the new CEO, Chip Bergh, begins in September, he will have the privilege of working with some of the best people in the business – smart, committed, enthusiastic and fun. Like me, I’m sure he’ll enjoy every moment of his journey with Levi Strauss & Co.
Posted By: John Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Levi Strauss & Co. |
 |
Tags: Levi Strauss & Co. |
|
We welcome your comments.
When submitting a blog comment, please consider the following guidelines:
- Focus on the topic
- Be constructive and considerate
- All submissions are subject to the terms set forth in our Terms of Use
This is a moderated blog. Each comment will be reviewed. We reserve the right not to post your submission if it’s off-topic or contains any of the following types of content or violates other guidelines:
- Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other language not suitable for a public forum
- Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers, or websites
- Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other forms of contact information
- Critical or spiteful comments on other posts on the page or their authors
In addition, if you wish to share feedback with us about product selection, pricing, ordering, delivery or other customer service issues, please do not submit this feedback through this blog. Instead, contact us here.
2013
Before posting your comment, please read the Blog Guidelines.
Francesco Fiore (not verified) - Jun 28 2011
I've only seen you on our Canadian video feeds - but each time it's been an inspiration and I've left excited to roll my sleeves up and get back to work - thank you for that and wishing you the very best of luck!
Cesar Cardines (not verified) - Jun 28 2011
Wishing all the joy and happiness on your retirement. Thank you for the wonderful years.
Diane Pharoah (not verified) - Jun 27 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years working for you here in Canada. You have made a tremendous contribution to this company and have made it a better place to work. I will miss being able to send you yearly congrats on both of us making one more year with this wonderful company (go figure we both started on the same day, in the same year on opposite sides of the planet and I got to work for you). I wish you and your family all the best in the future. Enjoy! Di
Lothar Schäfer (not verified) - Jun 22 2011
John - thanks for the friendship! Cheers Lothar
Judy Yanez (not verified) - Jun 22 2011
John, Thank you for your years of leadership and dedication to the Company. It seems like only yesterday, when I first met you at a global Merchandising meeting in London. Best wishes to you during your next journey in life -enjoying retirement and your family. You will be missed-Judy
Tony Manero (not verified) - Jun 20 2011
Enjoy the retirement . . . it won't be 5 in 5 but perhaps 5 in 10 in the next phase.
Lynn Downey (not verified) - Jun 20 2011
John - you'll live forever in the Archives! It's been a pleasure and a privilege. Lynn
Danny Jones (not verified) - Jun 17 2011
John, You will be missed by those at the company and also by retirees like me. Best wishes for your future Danny Jones retired 2002
Derek Chan (not verified) - Jun 17 2011
John, you are the best!! And thanks for the countless coaching, support & inspiration - this means a lot to me and I will miss you forever. Still remember my first product presentation to you during AOP in 2003, time flies! Also, the coaching during LEAP ... What a great time!! Wish you all the best!
M.TUNC ALEMDAROGLU (not verified) - Jun 17 2011
John have a wonderful life enjoy it as you wish love from Turkiye ...
Larry Ruff (not verified) - Jun 17 2011
John - From Sydney to Brussels to SF to Toronto to Singapore & then back to SF - you've had a remarkable 32 year journey. Thank you for your leadership and for making LS&Co. a great place to work. You challenged us to "stay in the tension", transform the Company & to deliver "Breakthrough" performance. We are much stronger & more competitive thanks to you. You're the best. Wish you & yours the best.
sarimah (not verified) - Jun 16 2011
you're gonna have a blast farewell when you come to Singapore. Look out!
Pat Hayman (not verified) - Jun 16 2011
John: Here's to you, and to becoming a great golfer in the near future! wishing you the best, we will truly miss you! Pat
Jeff Harlowe (not verified) - Jun 16 2011
Sorry you won't be with us for the next phase, John, but thanks for tremendous leadership until now. After a long time in the wildnerness, we have found our way forward and each year that we deliver Breakthrough, we get stronger. Your professional guidance and your warm personal touch have made this a better place to work. You will be missed.
Post new comment
Before posting your comment, please read the Blog Guidelines.