VF Corporation appoints new general manager for EMEA at Vans
VF Corporation has appointed Michel Bilodeau as vice president, general manager EMEA for its Vans footwear brand.
Currently working as vice president, general manager of VF outdoor & action sports for Canada, Bilodeau will take up his new position by October.
Martino Scabbia Guerrini, VF’s group president for EMEA, said: “Michel’s extensive experience with strategic accounts through our One VF platform approach and understanding of our direct-to-consumer business will strengthen our ability to drive growth and further connect with our consumers in deeper ways as Vans lives up to its commitment of serving as the icon of creative expression.”
Bilodeau has worked with VF Corporation since May 2009, initially as general manager for Vans Canada. As general manager, VF outdoor & action sports Canada, he has been overseeing the group’s Canadian businesses for The North Face, Timberland, Vans, Smartwool and JanSport brands.
Prior to joining VF Corporation, Bilodeau was a partner at Canadian sportswear distributor Sports Odyssee, which was the sole distributor for the Vans brand in Canada until 2010.
Doug Palladini, Vans global brand president, said: “Michel has played an instrumental role in spearheading the growth and development of not only our Vans brand throughout Canada but also for other brands in the VF portfolio. As EMEA continues to be a critical growth region for the Vans brand, his extensive background and understanding of the marketplace will further enable our ability to grow and authentically connect with our consumers across the region.”
