Kontoor Brands reports leadership role expansion on COO departure

Kontoor Brands on Tuesday announced that Jenni Broyles and Joseph Alkire will assume expanded roles on the U.S. denim company’s executive leadership team, effective immediately.

The Greensboro, North Carolina-based company said Broyles has been promoted to the role of executive vice president, chief commercial officer & global head of brands, where she will assume leadership responsibility for all international and commercial operations for the Lee and Wrangler brands.

Likewise, Alkire has been promoted to the role of executive vice president, chief financial officer & global head of operations, and will oversee all of Kontoor’s supply chain operations.

Both executives will report to Kontoor’s president, chief executive officer and chairman, Scott Baxter.

The Helly Hansen business will continue reporting to Baxter, according to a press release.

​“Jenni and Joe have earned these expanded roles through proven performance and strategic leadership, a testament to the depth of talent we are cultivating at Kontoor Brands,” said Baxter.

“This leadership team has the vision and expertise to guide Kontoor’s strategic evolution as we expand our portfolio of brands, accelerate growth and continue to deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”

Coinciding with the news,  Tom Waldron, executive vice president and chief operating officer, will exit Kontoor Brands after a transition period that will conclude September 30.

“I want to recognize and express my gratitude to Tom for his more than six years of leadership at Kontoor as well as his time at our predecessor company,” concluded Baxter. “Tom has played an important role in our company, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

In its most recent trading update in May, the parent of Lee and Wrangler brands said sales decreased 1 percent to $623 million in the first quarter, on the back of declines in global wholesale.