#Sustainability

2023-07-19

VF Corporation announces Andreas Olsson as Vice President, General Manager Vans EMEA

VF Corporation, a leading portfolio of lifestyle brands, today announced that Andreas Olsson, current Vice President of Sales Vans® EMEA has been appointed as the new Vice President, General Manager Vans EMEA, effective July 17. In this new role Andreas will dual report to Kevin Bailey, Global Brand President Vans and Martino Scabbia Guerrini, Executive Vice President (EVP), President EMEA, APAC & Emerging Brands.

Andreas succeeds Michel Bilodeau, a longtime Vans and VF leader, who will be stepping into the role of Vice President, Sales & Marketplace, Vans Americas, reporting to Kevin Bailey.

Andreas Olsson, Vice President, General Manager Vans EMEA, Source: VF Corporation

Martino Scabbia Guerrini said: “Both Michel and Andreas are great leaders with marketplace innovative thinking and a performance-driven and purpose-led experience across the VF portfolio of brands, including Vans. These appointments are a testament to their success and will further strengthen the brand execution and organization, both in the region and globally. VF is confident in their skills, dedication, and vision to elevate Vans into a brighter future.”

For the past 13 years, Andreas has played a critical role within the VF portfolio serving in a variety of leadership roles across The North Face and Vans, as well as Director, Digital Accounts across all brands in the EMEA Platform. Before returning to Vans to lead sales for the EMEA region, Andreas served as the General Manager for Dickies® EMEA, driving strategic priorities, elevating the brand in the region, and unlocking new opportunities in the marketplace.

Andreas Olsson, commented: “I am grateful for this new opportunity to rejoin Vans. It is an honor to lead the regional business of what is widely recognized as one of the original action sports brands and a global icon of creative exploration. I am truly excited to contribute to Vansfuture growth and success and feel privileged to work alongside a team of exceptional individuals who inspire me every day. I am confident that, together, we will overcome challenges and seize opportunities to achieve even greater success for the brand in our EMEA region and globally.”

After four years in EMEA, Michel Bilodeau is going back to his home country of Canada to re-join his family and start the next chapter of his career at VF.

In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the Americas integrated marketplace strategy, merchandising and sales teams, reporting to Kevin Bailey, Vans Global Brand President, Michel Bilodeau joined the VF EMEA team in September 2019 to serve as Vice President, General Manager for Vans in the region.

Michel’s extensive experience with strategic accounts, knowledge of the DTC business and strong leadership skills have played an instrumental role in navigating the Vans brand through pandemic and recent market conditions, as well as helping the brand live up to its commitment to serve as the icon of creative self-expression. Prior to his work in EMEA, Michel was Vice President, General Manager of VF Outdoor & Action Sports for Canada for ten years, driving growth and development for Vans throughout Canada as well as the growth of The North Face, Timberland and additional VF portfolio brands. Michel joined VF in 2009.

Michel Bilodeau, commented: “I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to step into this new role. After four enriching years in EMEA, I am thrilled to join the Americas team, returning to Canada to start this new chapter and continue my journey with Vans. I am committed to bringing my passion, experience, and unwavering dedication to further drive a brighter future for the brand.”

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

Experts publish APAC policy priorities

Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.