VF Corporation names Steve Murray vice president, strategic projects

By

Robin Driver

Published
Mar 28, 2018

VF Corporation announced on Wednesday the return of former Vans President Steve Murray who will take on the newly created role of vice president, strategic projects at the Greensboro, North Carolina-based apparel and footwear company.
 

The new position will involve leading VF’s key strategic projects, working closely with global brand leaders and the company’s Senior Leadership Team. Specific projects include developing The North Face’s footwear product strategy and supporting the successful integration of the Altra brand, whose acquisition by VF was announced this month.
 
Murray will report directly to VF Chairman, President and CEO, Steve Rendle.

Aside from his five-year tenure as president of Vans after VF acquired the brand in 2004, Murray has also previously served as president of the company’s Action Sports coalition.

Overall, Murray has over 30 years of experience in the apparel and footwear industry, most recently serving as CEO of Airwair International (Dr. Martens). During his time leading the brand, he was tasked with transforming it from a manufacturing-led family-owned company to a consumer-focused global retailer.
 
Prior to this, the Middlesex University graduate served as global brand president at Urban Outfitters, EMEA president at Deckers Brands and global head of apparel at Reebok International.
 
In a release from the company, Rendle stated that Murray is the ideal person to drive VF’s strategic initiatives as it evolves toward a more consumer-centric model.

“He possesses a unique blend of apparel and footwear industry expertise, a proven record of leading successful businesses transformations, and an intimate knowledge of the VF business model, all of which will enable him to quickly create meaningful value. We’re pleased to welcome Steve back to the One VF family,” he said.
 
“A hallmark of VF is the company’s ability to continually adapt to changes and transform itself, either through its M&A strategy or by leveraging its operational strength to seize new opportunities that keep it at the forefront of the industry,” commented Murray. “It’s an exciting time to be rejoining VF, and I look forward to contributing to its next phase of growth and success.”
 
In his new position, Murray will also serve on VF’s Senior Leadership Team.