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Steve Rendle
Retired Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, VF Corporation
Steve Rendle is a seasoned executive in the specialty outdoor and action sports industry, serving as the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of VF Corporation until his unexpected retirement in December 2022. He has over 35 years of experience in the industry, with more than half of that time spent at VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories.
Career Overview
Rendle joined VF Corporation in 1999, initially working with The North Face brand. Over the years, he held various leadership positions, including:
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President of The North Face (2004-2010): He led the brand during a period of significant growth.
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President of Outdoor Americas Coalition: Oversaw brands such as JanSport and Eagle Creek.
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Group President, Outdoor & Action Sports Americas: Managed VF's Outdoor and Action Sports businesses across North and South America.
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President & Chief Operating Officer: Before becoming CEO, he was responsible for all of VF's business coalitions, including Outdoor & Action Sports, Jeanswear, and Sportswear, as well as the global Supply Chain and Direct-to-Consumer platforms.
Rendle was appointed CEO of VF Corporation on January 1, 2017, and became Chairman of the Board in October 2017. His leadership was marked by a commitment to building strong brands and a focus on corporate culture and sustainability initiatives.
Education and Board Memberships
Rendle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Washington. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, Inc. (AFFOA). Additionally, he is a founding board member of the Outdoor Industry's Outdoor Foundation and has contributed to sustainability-focused educational initiatives.
Recent Developments
In December 2022, Rendle's departure from VF Corporation was announced, described as unexpected and amid challenging market conditions, particularly in North America. Following his exit, Benno Dorer was appointed as the interim President and CEO while the board searched for a permanent replacement.123
