Kontoor Brands promotes Tom Waldron to COO amid executive leadership shuffle

U.S. fashion firm Kontoor Brands announced on Tuesday the appointment of Tom Waldron to the role of chief operating officer, effective March 19.

As chief operating officer, Waldron will assume responsibility for both Wrangler and Lee globally, and will maintain oversight of the company’s global supply chain operations.

Waldron was previously EVP, co-chief operating officer, global brand president – Wrangler, where he was responsible for the brand’s global business, including marketing, sales and distribution. Prior to joining Kontoor Brands in 2019, Waldron was president, Wrangler and Riders by Lee, North America for VF Corporation.

“We are further advancing our operating model in conjunction with Project Jeanius to simplify our organization and increase speed and efficiency,” said Scott Baxter, president, chief executive officer and chair of Kontoor Brands.

“As the next step, I am pleased to announce that Tom Waldron has been appointed to the position of chief operating officer of Kontoor Brands. This appointment helps to bring together our business and support the next phase of growth and value creation at Kontoor.

“Tom is an exceptionally talented business leader who has led Wrangler’s return to growth and strong profitability, while guiding our business through an uncertain global operating environment. I have great confidence that his 30 years of experience and incredible passion for our business will help accelerate growth and successfully drive our brands going forward.”

Coinciding with Waldron’s promotion, Jenni Broyles has been appointed to the position of EVP, global brands president, Wrangler and Lee. Additionally, Ezio Garciamendez has been appointed to the position of EVP, chief supply chain officer. As members of the executive leadership team, Broyles and Garciamendez will report to Waldron.

In addition, Christopher Waldeck, previously EVP, co-chief operating officer, global brand president – Lee, will be stepping down from his role.

In its most recent trading update, Kontoor  reported a 8% decline in fourth-quarter sales to $670 million, hindered by retailer inventory management actions in the U.S., which offset gains in digital wholesale, China and DTC.