Levi Strauss & Co. Appoints Kenny Mitchell as Chief Marketing Officer of the Levi’s® Brand

Rhea-AI Summary

Levi Strauss & Co. has appointed Kenny Mitchell as the new senior vice president and chief marketing officer, effective June 5. Reporting to Michelle Gass, he will focus on enhancing marketing strategies to strengthen consumer engagement and grow market share for the Levi’s® brand. Mitchell brings over 20 years of extensive branding and digital marketing experience from notable companies including Snap and McDonald's. This appointment coincides with significant anniversaries for the brand, including the 150th anniversary of the 501® jean and the company's 170th year of operation. Gass expressed confidence that Mitchell's leadership will promote long-term growth and cultural relevance for the Levi's brand.

Positive

• Kenny Mitchell appointed as chief marketing officer, bringing over 20 years of experience.
• Focus on advancing consumer marketing strategies to build brand equity.
• Milestone year with 150th anniversary of the 501® jean expected to enhance brand visibility.

Negative

• None.

Proven marketing leader with brand-building expertise brings expanded consumer engagement focus to the Levi’s® brand

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: LEVI) today announced the appointment of Kenny Mitchell as senior vice president and chief marketing officer of the Levi’s® brand, effective June 5. Reporting to Michelle Gass, president, Levi Strauss & Co., Mitchell will be responsible for advancing the Levi’s® brand’s consumer marketing strategies, focused on building denim leadership equity, cementing its position as a true lifestyle brand and growing market share.

“Kenny is widely recognized as an innovative marketing leader and talent builder, with an impressive track record of growing global brands and pioneering digital marketing strategies to accelerate value creation,” Gass said. “It is especially fitting to have someone of his exceptional caliber join our Levi’s® team in this milestone year, further positioning us for long-term growth and operational success as we celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the 501® jean and the 170^th year of the company’s founding. With Kenny onboard, I have full confidence in our ability to continue earning our place at the center of culture and building our global community of Levi’s® fans.”

Mitchell brings more than 20 years of brand-building experience in the U.S. and internationally, in addition to deep digital, creative and innovation expertise. He joins Levi Strauss & Co. from Snap, parent company of Snapchat, where he has served since 2019 as chief marketing officer and led the growth of the platform’s global community, advertising base and developer partners. Prior to this, Mitchell was vice president of brand content and engagement for McDonald’s USA, where he established the company’s strategic brand and consumer marketing agenda. He also served as head of consumer engagement at Gatorade (PepsiCo), implementing strategies that supported record revenue and profit growth. Among his numerous awards and distinctions for marketing excellence, he was named one of “The Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company and has been included as an innovative leader in Forbes CMO NEXT and AdWeek 50 rankings. Mitchell holds an MBA and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Dartmouth College and is a member of the Board of Directors for e.l.f. Beauty.

“I am thrilled to join a values-led company like LS&Co. and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside their enormously talented teams to help expand the reach and strength of the Levi’s® brand,” Mitchell said. “I have long admired the enduring global relevance of Levi’s® as both a quintessential apparel brand and cultural icon. It is an honor to be part of shaping the future of the greatest story ever worn.”

About Levi Strauss & Co.

Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world's largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi's®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.TM, Denizen® and Beyond Yoga® brands. Its products are sold in more than 110 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,200 brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.'s reported 2022 net revenues were $6.2 billion. For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com, and for financial news and announcements go to http://investors.levistrauss.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230420005849/en/

Investor Contact:

Aida Orphan

Levi Strauss & Co.

(415) 501-6194

Investor-Relations@levi.com

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Owen

Levi Strauss & Co.

(415) 501-7777

NewsMediaRequests@levi.com

Source: Levi Strauss & Co.

FAQ

Who is the new chief marketing officer of Levi Strauss & Co.?

Kenny Mitchell has been appointed as the new chief marketing officer.

What is Kenny Mitchell's previous experience before joining Levi Strauss & Co.?

Mitchell previously served as chief marketing officer at Snap and held roles at McDonald's and Gatorade.

What are the key responsibilities of Kenny Mitchell at Levi Strauss & Co.?

He will focus on enhancing marketing strategies, building brand equity, and growing market share.

When does Kenny Mitchell start his role at Levi Strauss & Co.?

He will begin his role on June 5.

Why is this appointment significant for Levi Strauss & Co.?

It aligns with important anniversaries for the brand, aiming to strengthen its market position.