Kontoor Brands appoints new COO

Lifestyle apparel company Kontoor Brands has announced the appointment of Tom Waldron as its new chief operating officer.

In his new role, Waldron will assume responsibility for two of the company’s consumer brands, Wrangler and Lee, globally. In addition, he will maintain oversight of the company’s global supply chain operations. 

Scott Baxter, president, chief executive officer and chair of Kontoor Brands, said: “We are further advancing our operating model in conjunction with Project Jeanius to simplify our organisation and increase speed and efficiency. 

“As the next step, I am pleased to announce that Tom Waldron has been appointed to the position of chief operating officer of Kontoor Brands. This appointment helps to bring together our business and support the next phase of growth and value creation at Kontoor.”

Baxter added: “Tom is an exceptionally talented business leader who has led Wrangler’s return to growth and strong profitability, while guiding our business through an uncertain global operating environment. 

“I have great confidence that his 30 years of experience and incredible passion for our business will help accelerate growth and successfully drive our brands going forward.”

Regarding the appointment, Waldron said: “It continues to be a privilege to work with Scott and our incredible global workforce to shape the next chapter of Kontoor’s value-creation journey. 

“I look forward to expanding my responsibilities within the organisation to facilitate improved operating efficiency and position our business for future growth.”

In addition, Jenni Broyles has been appointed to the position of EVP, global brands president, Wrangler and Lee. Meanwhile Ezio Garciamendez has been appointed to the position of EVP, chief supply chain officer. As members of the executive leadership team, Broyles and Garciamendez will report to Waldron.

Broyles served as SVP of Wrangler from 2022 where she strengthened the Wrangler business as North American general manager, while also having leadership accountability for category and channel expansion, design and marketing. 

She has held various roles of increasing responsibility in brand management, marketing and merchandising for both Wrangler and Lee since joining the organisation in 2005.

Garciamendez, who joined Kontoor Brands in 2022 as SVP, chief supply chain officer, has been instrumental in enhancing efficiencies and simplifying processes across Kontoor’s supply chain, including global sourcing and internal manufacturing. 

Prior to joining Kontoor, he served as global operations SVP at Melaleuca as well as leadership positions at Procter and Gamble.

Waldron said: “I’m thrilled to have incredible leaders like Jenni and Ezio take on expanded roles as we partner together to transform the business for the future. Together, we will work to drive greater efficiency in the business while continuing to position our brands and our business to win.”