Levi’s Sets International Chiefs

NEW YORK – Levi Strauss & Co. Monday promoted Robert Hanson and Alan Hed to presidents of its North American and Asian Pacific regions, respectively. Both appointments are effective immediately.

Hanson retains his duties as president and general manager of the Levi’s brand in the U.S., a post he’s held since 2001. He adds responsibility for the Dockers and Signature brands in the U.S. as well as Levi’s Canadian and Mexican businesses.

Hed assumes responsibility for the Asian Pacific region from John Anderson, who in July was named chief operating officer of the company and designated to succeed Philip Marineau as president and chief executive officer of Levi’s upon Marineau’s retirement on Nov. 26. Unlike Hed, Anderson was also president of global sourcing at Levi’s.

The Asian Pacific region includes South America, the Middle East and Africa.

In a statement, Marineau said that he and Anderson “have been working closely to ensure a smooth transition when I retire and he becomes CEO. We’ve been collaborating on the company’s strategic business plans and a number of senior leadership changes. With these appointments, John will begin his term as CEO with very strong leadership teams running our North America and Asia Pacific regions.”

Hanson joined Levi’s in 1988 and was president of the Levi’s brand in Europe and vice president of Dockers brand marketing in the U.S. before assuming responsibility for the Levi’s brand in the U.S. five years ago.

Joining Levi’s in 2000 after working in global capacities for Procter & Gamble and Citibank, Hed has been the regional managing director for Latin America, Africa, Turkey and Australia/New Zealand for the past three years. He added responsibility for Japan and South Korea a year ago. He’s also managed Levi’s businesses in South Africa, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia, the Middle East and Africa.

Anderson said the two “have tremendous leadership capability and capacity and excellent track records of driving change. They’re keenly familiar with the company’s operation, talent and strategic plans, and will contribute immediately as we continue to improve our business performance and optimize growth opportunities for the company.”

In fiscal 2005, the San Francisco-based firm’s North American region represented $2.5 billion in revenues, Europe $980 million and Asia Pacific $690 million.