Dan Cherian has joined the VF Corporation as Vice President, Global Innovation, Performance Apparel and Footwear.

In this newly created role, Cherian will oversee VF’s Global Performance Apparel and Footwear Innovation Centres, where the company focuses on developing advancements in apparel, footwear and accessories for its 30-plus brands.

“Our goal is to shape the future of apparel and footwear,” said Steve Rendle, VF Senior Vice President, Americas. “VF has emphasised the importance of product innovation as a key growth driver for our company. Adding Dan to our team to lead our performance apparel and footwear initiatives further demonstrates our commitment to creating breakthrough, must-have products for consumers.”

Responsibilities and expectations

Cherian joins VF from Nike, where he was General Manager of Nike’s Sustainable Business Lab, a business development and strategic partnership function. He has also worked for Pfizer Inc. and the Boston Consulting Group.

At VF, Cherian will set global innovation strategies, shape and manage the global product innovation portfolio, and lead all supporting activities taking place at VF’s Performance Apparel Innovation Centre in Alameda, CA, and Footwear Innovation Centre in Stratham, NH.

Innovation Centre strategy

VF introduced its Innovation Centre strategy in 2013 and began to elevate innovation initiatives with existing teams to support key projects.

Now, under Cherian’s leadership, the company will assemble teams of chemists, scientists, engineers and designers for the Performance Apparel and Footwear Innovation Centres, who will combine their expertise in technology and new materials with VF’s proprietary insights and deep understanding of consumer needs.

VF Corporation

VF Corporation is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories.

The company’s highly diversified portfolio of 30 powerful brands spans numerous geographies, product categories, consumer demographics and sales channels. The company’s largest brands are The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Wrangler, Lee and Nautica.

www.vfc.com