Joe Vernachio, former Allbirds CEO, takes the reins at Sorel, Columbia’s footwear brand, in a bid to boost sales and expand the brand’s global presence.
Sorel, a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company, has appointed Joe Vernachio, the former CEO of sustainable footwear brand Allbirds, as its new president. Vernachio’s experience in the footwear industry, particularly in the eco-friendly and performance segments, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Sorel’s operations.
Vernachio’s tenure at Allbirds, which he founded in 2014, was marked by the brand’s rapid growth and expansion into international markets. During his time at the helm, Allbirds became a leading player in the sustainable footwear market, known for its eco-friendly materials and carbon offsetting practices. Vernachio’s departure from Allbirds in 2022 was seen as a significant loss for the brand, but his appointment at Sorel suggests that he’s ready to tackle another challenge in the footwear industry.
Kohl’s Taps Experienced Exec for COO Role
Kohl’s has appointed **Michael R. McCormick** as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). McCormick brings over two decades of retail experience to the role, having previously served as the COO of Macy’s. As COO, McCormick will be responsible for overseeing Kohl’s operations, including store operations, logistics, and supply chain management.
Mccormick’s appointment comes at a time when Kohl’s is looking to revamp its business strategy and improve its operational efficiency. The retailer has been facing increasing competition from e-commerce players and has been working to revamp its store experience and online platform to better compete in the market.
OrthoLite and Target Make Key Appointments
OrthoLite, a leading manufacturer of performance insoles, has undergone a leadership transition with the appointment of **Chris Hillyer** as its new President. Hillyer brings over two decades of experience in the footwear and apparel industry to the role and is expected to drive growth and innovation at OrthoLite.
Target has also made a key appointment with the naming of Isaac Mizrahi as a member of its advisory board. Mizrahi, a renowned fashion designer, will provide guidance on design, merchandising, and trend forecasting to help Target stay ahead of the curve in the competitive apparel market.
What this means: These latest appointments in the textile and apparel industry signal a shift towards greater focus on sustainability, innovation, and operational efficiency. As brands continue to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic market, they’re looking to experienced leaders with a track record of success to drive growth and stay ahead of the competition.
