#Denim

2023-04-27

Levi Strauss & co. appoints Kenny Mitchell as chief marketing officer of the Levi’s® brand

Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: LEVI) today announced the appointment of Kenny Mitchell as senior vice president and chief marketing officer of the Levi’s® brand, effective June 5. Reporting to Michelle Gass, president, Levi Strauss & Co., Mitchell will be responsible for advancing the Levi’s® brand’s consumer marketing strategies, focused on building denim leadership equity, cementing its position as a true lifestyle brand and growing market share.

Proven marketing leader with brand-building expertise brings expanded consumer engagement focus to the Levi’s® brand

“Kenny is widely recognized as an innovative marketing leader and talent builder, with an impressive track record of growing global brands and pioneering digital marketing strategies to accelerate value creation,” Gass said. “It is especially fitting to have someone of his exceptional caliber join our Levi’s® team in this milestone year, further positioning us for long-term growth and operational success as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 501® jean and the 170th year of the company’s founding. With Kenny onboard, I have full confidence in our ability to continue earning our place at the center of culture and building our global community of Levi’s® fans.”

Mitchell brings more than 20 years of brand-building experience in the U.S. and internationally, in addition to deep digital, creative and innovation expertise. He joins Levi Strauss & Co. from Snap, parent company of Snapchat, where he has served since 2019 as chief marketing officer and led the growth of the platform’s global community, advertising base and developer partners. Prior to this, Mitchell was vice president of brand content and engagement for McDonald’s USA, where he established the company’s strategic brand and consumer marketing agenda. He also served as head of consumer engagement at Gatorade (PepsiCo), implementing strategies that supported record revenue and profit growth. Among his numerous awards and distinctions for marketing excellence, he was named one of “The Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company and has been included as an innovative leader in Forbes CMO NEXT and AdWeek 50 rankings. Mitchell holds an MBA and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Dartmouth College and is a member of the Board of Directors for e.l.f. Beauty.

“I am thrilled to join a values-led company like LS&Co. and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside their enormously talented teams to help expand the reach and strength of the Levi’s® brand,” Mitchell said. “I have long admired the enduring global relevance of Levi’s® as both a quintessential apparel brand and cultural icon. It is an honor to be part of shaping the future of the greatest story ever worn.”

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Jeanologia brings “Billy” to China, the AI transforming denim design

The denim industry is turning its attention to Hangzhou this week, where a new edition of Kingpins, the leading international trade show for the sector, takes place on May 21 and 22. There, the Spanish company Jeanologia, a global leader in sustainable technologies for the textile industry, is introducing its latest innovation to the Chinese market: “Billy”, the first artificial intelligence specifically developed for denim finishing design.

ISKO unveils a new circular vision of color, texture and tactile innovation at Denim Première Vision Milan

At Denim Première Vision Milan (booth G3), ISKO introduces its FW27-28 Collection, built around three defining elements: color, texture and touch. This season, ISKO presents a vision where emotion and advanced textile innovation converge, rooted in a steadfast commitment to responsible material development by utilizing patented technologies and high-quality raw materials, powered by RE&UP.

Uster FiberQ excels for recycled raw materials too

Uster FiberQ is a complete solution for raw material utilization, supporting spinners to achieve consistent quality and profitability every day, building further growth for the future. The Turkish company ORTA relies on FiberQ with recycled yarn for its denim production. Data-driven knowledge puts the producer in control of raw material utilization – ready to make the correct decisions for process efficiency, quality and productivity.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.