VF Corp CEO Pledges To Deep Brand Turnaround At Berlin Congress
Mark Faithfull At the World Retail Congress in Berlin today, VF Corp. CEO Bracken Darrell used his platform to reframe what a turnaround really meant for the retail group and why the market may be too focused on immediacy. VF Corp., the parent company of brands including Vans, The North Face and Timberland, has been navigating a difficult stretch marked by declining revenues, wholesale disruption and uneven brand momentum. The companys stock has come under pressure over the past two years as Vans in particular lost cultural traction, forcing leadership to rethink both cost structures and brand positioning. While recent quarters have shown early signs of stabilization — cost-cutting measures, inventory normalization and leadership reshuffles among them — the turnaround remains very much in progress, with investors watching closely for sustained growth rather than short-term fixes. Darrell, who took the helm in 2023 for Logitech, made clear he has little interest in quick wins at the expense of long-term brand equity. “I came in for a turnaround, and when I was hired I was described as a turnaround person but I am not,” he said. “Its not about short term; despite the fact there is a sense of urgency. So, you have to take a