Kontoor brands appoints new exec VP and CFO

Kontoor Brands, a global lifestyle apparel company and owner of Wrangler and Lee, has appointed Joe Alkire as its new executive vice president and chief financial officer.

The news comes after Rustin Welton, executive vice president and chief financial officer, decided to retire from Kontoor after four years of service with the company.

Effective 31 August 2023, Alkire will succeed Welton and will have responsibility for enterprise strategy, corporate development, financial planning and analysis, accounting, investor relations, tax, treasury, internal audit and information technology.

As a member of the company’s executive leadership team, he will report to Kontoor’s president, chief executive officer and chair of the Board, Scott Baxter.

Alkire joins Kontoor from BrüMate, Inc., a private equity backed consumer products company, where he served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer.

Prior to that, he served as the vice president, Corporate Development, Treasury, and Investor Relations for VF Corporation. He also served as an investment banking and equity research analyst for William Blair and Company before joining VF.

To ensure a smooth and effective transition, Welton will continue at Kontoor in an advisory position through year-end.

Alkire said: “I’m excited to be joining Kontoor during such a pivotal time in the company’s journey. I look forward to partnering with Kontoor’s global team to continue to explore the many exciting opportunities ahead for the company and its world-class brands.”

Welton added: “I am so proud of our team here at Kontoor and all that they have achieved. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Joe previously and I am confident he is the right leader for Kontoor’s bright future. I want to thank Scott for this extraordinary opportunity and our global team for their partnership and commitment over the years.”