Former Skechers CFO John Vandemore joins Levi Strauss

US denim company Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has appointed John Vandemore as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), effective November 1, 2026.

Vandemore will join the business as it continues to accelerate its direct-to-consumer (D2C) growth strategy and execute its ambition to become a 10 billion dollar enterprise. He will report to president and chief executive officer (CEO), Michelle Gass.

“We are thrilled to welcome John at a pivotal moment for our company,” said Gass in a release. “We are building a more direct-to-consumer business, unlocking the full potential of the Levi’s brand and transforming LS&Co. into the world’s leading denim lifestyle retailer. John’s deep financial, operational and consumer experience, combined with his proven ability to help global brands scale and grow profitably, makes him the ideal partner to help us realize our ambition of becoming a 10 billion dollar company.”

Financial leadership across global consumer brands

Vandemore brings more than 25 years of finance leadership experience across the global consumer, retail and entertainment sectors. He joins LS&Co. from footwear company Skechers U.S.A., Inc., where he served as CFO for nine years.

During his tenure at Skechers, Vandemore oversaw the global financial organisation as well as supply chain, digital and information technology operations. Under his financial leadership, Skechers expanded to operate in over 180 countries across wholesale and D2C channels, including more than 5,000 retail stores globally, with revenues nearly tripling to over nine billion dollars.

Prior to his role at Skechers, Vandemore served as executive vice president and CFO of global brands and commercial sales at Mattel, Inc., and CFO and treasurer at International Game Technology. He also held senior financial and operational management roles at The Walt Disney Company, including CFO of Walt Disney Imagineering, alongside earlier roles at AlixPartners, LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co., Deloitte & Touche LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“LS&Co. is an iconic company with an unmatched heritage, a globally renowned brand and a clear strategy that is delivering strong momentum and results,” said Vandemore. “I have long admired the Levi’s brand and am excited to join Michelle and the team and contribute to strengthening consumer connections, accelerating profitable growth and creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Transition period following retirement announcement

Vandemore succeeds Harmit Singh, who announced his intention to retire as executive vice president and chief financial and growth officer in April 2026.

Singh will continue in his role until Vandemore assumes the CFO position on November 1, 2026. Following the handover, Singh will serve as a special advisor to the company through November 30, 2026, to ensure an orderly transition.