 GLOBAL BRAND PRESIDENT VANS INC. COSTA MESA
DAY JOB: Runs footwear and apparel company that ended 2019 with $4.2 billion in sales and some 15,000 workers companywide, 650 of which are in OC. Costa Mesa brand is one of the darlings of parent VF Corp.’s portfolio, seeing big growth that’s come in faster than expectations. OC’s best-performing large retail or apparel company for several years running.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Launched“Foot The Bill” program aimed to help some 160 small business owners impacted by COVID-19, said it would commit at least $4 million to the program. Company produced limited-edition footwear, designed by each small business partner, with proceeds (minus the cost to produce and ship) going directly to the program partner. As many as 500 pairs of shoes for each design were produced for sale at a retail price of $90. Worked with Hedley & Bennett on production of more than 250,000 face coverings, using canvas typically found on Vans shoes, to be donated to front-line workers. Donated 40,000 Vans shoelaces to designer Michael Schmidt for production of 20,000 face shields for healthcare workers.
NOTABLE:Â Moved corporate to work-from-home and shuttered U.S. and Canada stores in March. Parent company as of May continued to pay store employees and distribution center workers throughout pandemic across its brands.
QUOTABLE: “We have all lived through the evolution of COVID-19 and continue to personally experience its drastic impact and disruption on our work and home lives. While the lasting impact of this global pandemic is unclear, I am overwhelmingly proud of what Vans is doing to support those in need as our global communities continue to grapple with the realities of COVID-19,” Palladini said in a letter to consumers.
FAST FACTS: Longtime Vans exec who joined the company in 2004. Has worn many hats, some of which have overlapped. Headed global marketing for business between 2004 to 2014, helping solidify brand’s relevance among the youth and growing sales. Took on additional duties in 2013 with appointment to vice president-general manager of North America for Vans up until 2016. Has also spent time on the action sports publishing side.
