Jan Van Leeuwen appointed as Vice President, General Manager, The North Face®, EMEA

Published by Mountainblog on 11/15/2018.

VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, has appointed Jan Van Leeuwen to the position of Vice President, General Manager, The North Face®, EMEA Region. He will also serve on the Global Leadership Team for The North Face® brand.

In this role, Van Leeuwen will lead The North Face® brand and its business in EMEA, translating the global strategy into effective consumer engagement and marketplace execution. He will be responsible for driving the brand’s momentum and building on its 11 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth in the EMEA region.

“During his tenure with VF, Jan has demonstrated strong leadership and an ability to develop a thriving business,” said Martino Scabbia Guerrini, Group President, VF EMEA. “His extensive experience in the retail industry combined with his proven track record of business results make him the ideal person to lead our iconic The North Face® brand in the EMEA region.”

Since joining VF in 2011, Van Leeuwen has held various roles with increasing responsibility within the Vans® brand, EMEA, including most recently serving as Vice President, General Manager. Prior to joining VF, Van Leeuwen held senior leadership roles for companies including Sole Technology, O’Neill and Nike.

“We are happy to welcome Jan to The North Face® team,” added Arne Arens, Global Brand President, The North Face®. “Working closely with the global and regional management teams, Jan will play a key role in continuing to drive momentum for the business and in bringing our brand values to life for associates.”

Commenting on his appointment, Van Leeuwen said, “As an avid runner and skier, the outdoors are very close to my heart. I’m thrilled to join The North Face,® the leading brand in the global outdoor industry. In collaboration with the brand team, I’m looking forward to unlocking new opportunities, both on and off the mountain, through new and innovative products that empower people to push the boundaries of exploration.”

INFO: The North Face®

One day on a San Francisco beach, two men with a passion for hiking and the outdoors had a big idea. Who would have thought their dream would be realised; over the next 40 years, The North Face® would become the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technologically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear. The North Face® takes its name from the harshest, coldest side of a mountain. It was the sheer northwest face of Half Dome in Yosemite National park that provided the inspiration for The North Face® logo, paying tribute to the company’s climbing heritage and outdoor roots and quest to Never Stop Exploring™. Athlete Tested, Expedition Proven, The North Face® product represents the best in class, in terms of product design and athletic achievement. Tested in some of the toughest conditions on the planet by a world-renowned team of athletes, including legendary 8000m+ alpinists Denis Urubko & Simone Moro; mountain climbers Herve Barmasse and the Pou Brothers; free skiers and big mountain snowboarders such as Xavier De Le Rue; and ultra-runners Lizzy Hawker, Jez Bragg and Sebastian Chaigneau. About The North Face® The North Face®, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, snow-sport athletes, endurance athletes, and explorers. The company’s products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking, running, and snow-sport retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains. Additional information about The North Face® can be found on the company’s website,eu.thenorthface.com