Wrangler and Lee owner names Managing Director to ‘elevate’ EMEA team

Kontoor Brands, owner of beloved denim brands Wrangler and Lee, has named Jamie Givens as its Managing Director, EMEA, to ensure brand growth. 

Givens boasts more than two decades of experience in the premium apparel fashion industry. He joins Kontoor from Lacoste, where he served as Chief Executive Officer of North & Central America for the past two years after leading the brand in the UK and Ireland for the previous four years.

Before joining Lacoste, Givens was the Digital Director of Europe for Levi Strauss & Co., where he also previously held leadership roles across Sales and Commercial within the region.

Givens took to LinkedIn to announce his appointment, writing: "Excited to share the start of my new journey at Kontoor Brands as Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Huge thanks to everyone for the very warm welcome in Geneva…Let’s get started!"

In his new role, effective immediately, Givens leads the Wrangler and Lee businesses in EMEA, "translating Kontoor’s global business strategy into accelerated regional brand growth". He will report directly to Tom Waldron, Chief Operations Officer, Kontoor Brands.

Tom Waldron said: "Jamie's extensive experience in cultivating global brands, coupled with his remarkable leadership track record, will be an invaluable asset to Kontoor’s global team.

"His history of visionary leadership and management of complex business operations will elevate Kontoor’s EMEA team, ensuring brand growth and maintaining our competitive edge in the market."

This news follows Kontoor's acquisition of Helly Hansen in February. The denim giant acquitted 100% ownership of Norwegian outerwear retailer Helly Hansen from Canadian Tire Corp for approximately $900 million.

At the time, CEO and Chairman Scott Baxter said:  "The acquisition of Helly Hansen is the perfect fit for our strategy to evolve and expand our portfolio of brands, accelerate growth, and deliver long-term value for our shareholders. I want to thank the Canadian Tire and Helly Hansen teams for the partnership in this process. I couldn’t be more excited for the future of Kontoor Brands and our stakeholders."