VF Corporation announced today that it has named Michael Gannaway as Vice President, Customer Management. In this newly-created position, Gannaway will be responsible for establishing cross-coalition strategies with key customers. Effective July 6, Gannaway, (53), will report to Mackey McDonald, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Gannaway has also been named as a member of VF's Operating Committee.
Gannaway has over 20 years of experience in senior brand and customer management roles at Sara Lee, Revlon, and Estee Lauder working with key customers in all retail channels. He began his career in retailing, serving nearly a decade in Minneapolis with what is now known as Target Corporation. Most recently, he served as CEO of Pillowtex Corporation, briefly filling that position with the challenge of successfully disposing of the company's assets.
Just prior to Pillowtex, Gannaway served nearly 10 years at Sara Lee Branded Apparel. In his most recent role as President of Customer Business Teams and Mega-brand Marketing, he led the company's cross division strategic focus on its key brands including Hanes and Hanes Her Way. He also served in several other senior level positions including President Mass Brands and President Department Store Brands at Sara Lee Underwear and as Vice President and General Manager of Department Store Brands at Sara Lee Intimate Apparel.
Reporting to Gannaway initially will be John Sturgis, who has recently been promoted to Vice President, VF Wal*Mart Account Team, and who will continue to be based in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Minnesota. He and his family live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
