Levi Strauss announces chairman change
Levi Strauss has announced that its chairman Stephen Neal is to step down from the position on 26 March due to him reaching the mandatory board retirement age of 72.
He will be succeeded by Bob Eckert who has been a Levi Strauss board member for the last ten years.
Chip Bergh, president and chief executive of Levi Strauss & Co., said: “Steve has been instrumental to our successful turnaround over the last decade, including playing a key role in taking the company public. He has guided us through countless strategic decisions and supported our commitment to our values every step of the way.
“As Steve retires as board chair, we are lucky to have Bob step into this role. Bob has been a successful CEO and brings decades of experience with other large, global companies and more than 10 years of experience on our board. He understands our business, our strategies and our culture, and is the ideal person to lead the board into the future.”
Eckert was chairman of Mattel from May 2000 until December 2012 and also served as the company’s chief executive from May 2000 until December 2011. Prior to joining Mattel, he worked with Kraft Foods for 23 years where he served as president and chief executive from 1997 to 2000.
Eckert said: “Levi Strauss & Co. is an iconic, global company that I’ve come to know well over my decade of service on the board. I look forward to continuing to work with the board and the leadership team in service to our shareholders and other stakeholders, and in support of the company’s long-standing commitment to delivering profits through principles.”
