HanesBrands Taps Walmart’s Steve Bratspies as CEO
HanesBrands has named Steve Bratspies its new CEO, replacing the retiring Gerald Evans.
Most recently chief merchandising officer at Walmart, Bratspies has also served as chief marketing officer for Specialty Brands and director of marketing at Frito-Lay North America. Earlier in his career, he was a management consultant at A.T. Kearney.
Bratspies spent 15 years at Walmart, where he managed $330 billion in sales. He rose to the chief merchant officer position during a shake-up of executive changes at the retailer, and played a leading role in its digital transformation.
Ronald Nelson, HanesBrand chairman of the board, called Bratspies an experienced global leader, citing his strong vision for the future of consumer goods and track record of success in senior management roles.
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“We are confident that Steve is the ideal CEO to lead Hanes forward as we focus on our strong portfolio of consumer brands across the globe, rapid online growth and strong cash flow model,” said Nelson. “We look forward to an exciting new chapter for Hanes under Steve’s leadership and oversight.”
His position is effective Aug. 3. Evans will oversee the transition through August, staying on as an advisor to the company through 2021.
“We extend our gratitude to Gerald for his many contributions to the company’s brand building, global supply chain diversification, and international commercial expansion over the last 37 years, and most recently for his excellent leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Nelson. “Gerald has always put the best interests of Hanes and its employees first, and we appreciate his support of Steve and the management team through the transition period. We also wish him well in his retirement.”
Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., HanesBrands is No. 77 on the CGT Top 100 Consumer Goods Companies of 2019 list. It counts such brands as Hanes, Champion, Playtex and Maidenform under its umbrella.
See also: Top 10 Apparel Brands of 2019
