Executive Moves at DSW & VF Corp.

Welcome back to FN Daily, where we break down the biggest stories happening in footwear and retail.

Today, we have executive moves at DSW and VF Corporation. Plus, UYN opens a research and development lab in Italy.

Here's what you need to know.

Designer Brands Chief Merchandising Officer Jim Weinberg Exits Company

Designer Brands Inc. executive Jim Weinberg has exited the company, DBI confirmed to FN on Tuesday.

“We recently announced internally that Jim Weinberg will be stepping down as chief merchandising officer of DBI,” a company spokesperson told FN in a statement. “Our organization is grateful for Jim’s contributions to our retail and brands businesses.”

In regards to a successor, the company said that it will add merchandising roles to its leadership team in the future but is evaluating what the right structure for its business will be going forward.

Zoom out: The news marks the latest executive shift at DBI. In August, DBI announced that Bill Jordan, the president of Designer Brands Inc. and Camuto LLC, would step down from both positions in December. And in July, Designer Brands tapped Laura Denk as president of DSW and EVP of Designer Brands.

VF Corp. Appoints Nike Veteran An Claes as VP of Supply Chain Operations in EMEA

VF Corp. has tapped An Claes as VP of supply chain operations in EMEA, the latest executive shift for the footwear and apparel conglomerate.

Claes replaces Stuart Pond, who is taking on the role of VP of global supply chain platforms. In this new role, Claes will oversee the supply chain matrix in Europe and will help the team adapt to shifting consumer preferences. She will report to EVP of global supply chain Cameron Bailey.

Big picture: The appointment comes amid a time of change for the retail powerhouse that owns Vans, The North Face and other brands. Earlier this week, an activist investor with a stake in VF Corp. outlined a plan it says can increase shareholder value and cut costs at the company. This plan includes measures meant to reduce costs by $300 million and restore brand authority by reinvesting $100 million of savings into VF’s largest brands, Vans and The North Face. The firm also called for a full review of non-core assets and asked for VF to “publicly commit to no further acquisitions.” The investor also called for the appointment of new board members that “prioritize value creation.”

UYN Opens a Research and Development Lab in Italy

UYN, the brand founded by design and manufacturing company Trerè Innovation, has opened its new research and development lab in Italy.

The new facility for UYN — an acronym for “Unleash Your Nature” and pronounced “Win” — is dubbed the Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sport (AREAS). It is adjacent to its global headquarters in Asola, and was described by the company as “an academy for scholars and young talents in the textile field, and a creative hub for product and communication design.”

The research and development lab — which was made possible with an investment from the company of more than 2 million euros (roughly $2.1 million at the current conversion rate) — will serve as the home to its bio-based apparel, footwear and accessory designers and creators. The building spans 38,000 square feet.

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