Levi Strauss has appointed Craig Nomura, a 25-year industry leader, as executive vice president and president of global retail, effective February 03, 2014. Nomura will lead a global team of 7,300 employees across approximately 2,800 owned and operated, franchise, and outlet stores. In his new role, he will also drive innovative solutions and define new opportunities to connect the company’s brands with customers across the world. Nomura will report to Chip Bergh, President and Chief Executive Officer, LS&Co.
Nomura was last associated with Williams-Sonoma where he was responsible for international expansion as senior vice president of global development. He previously held leadership positions at Gap Inc., The Gymboree Corporation, Guess?, Inc., and Foot Locker.
According to the company officials, having experience in operations, inventory management, and marketing, Nomura has a strong understanding of international consumer markets, having led growth strategies throughout his career in the United States, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and the Middle East.
Commenting on the new appointment, Bergh, said: “Craig is a true global citizen with a proven track record of delivering profitable growth for some of the world’s top retailers. Whether it’s through strategic franchise management, consumer-focussed vertical retail experiences or tight inventory management, his expertise across all aspects of retail operations will be a great asset to the management team as we work to make LS&Co. a world-class omni-channel retailer.”
Speaking on the new opportunity, Nomura stated: “I’ve been a fan of LS&Co. and its iconic brands since I bought my first pair of Levi’s® 501® jeans and I’m thrilled to be part of shaping how the next generation of fans experiences our brands. I look forward to working with the LS&Co. team to build on their solid progress and drive even stronger business results for global retail and the company going forward.”
Levi Strauss claims to be 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., and Denizen brands. Its products are sold in more than 110 countries through retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 2,800 retail stores and shop-in-shops. The company reported net revenue of $4.6 billion 2012 fiscal.
