MICHELLE “SUN” CHOE
GLOBAL BRAND PRESIDENT
VANS INC.
WHY: Newest leader at Costa Mesa-based Vans; for past seven years played a prominent sales role at Lululemon as chief product officer; its sales quadrupled since she joined.
IN THE NEWS: Appointed head of shoe and apparel co. by parent VF Corp. in July, in hopes to recapture sales, and as part of VF’s business improvement project.
NOTABLE: Has been in the industry for nearly 30 years, leading design and merchandising for other apparel brands including Marc Jacobs, Madewell, Urban Outfitters and Levi’s. JP Morgan analysts pointed to her as potential candidate before the announcement.
QUOTABLE: “I am passionate about building high-performance cultures and teams and creating great designs and guest experiences that build long-lasting, meaningful connections with consumers around the world. At Vans, we will do just that.”
