EIL 07: Remarkable Leadership Journey — Eric Wiseman, Past Chairman and CEO of VF Corp.

Excellent International Leadership

Of course you have heard of the brands The North Face, Vans, Eastpak, Dickies, Timberland, Jansport, Icebreaker, Narapuri, Supreme, and Kipling, and Altra, just to name a few. All of the above are managed by VF Corp - a multinational company with a powerful platform and a history of over 115 years in the apparel industry. Eric Wiseman, joined VF Corp in 1995. He discusses some of his career’s greatest challenges with host Dr. Katrina Burrus.

• What was your biggest failure and what did you learn from it?
• What is the strategic vision of VF Corp?
• What common leadership traits does VF Corp look for?
• How relevant is it that VF Corp leaders have experience in international business? In which roles?
• What leadership tips can you give young talented leaders?

Who is Eric Wiseman?

Mr. Eric Wiseman is the past Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel and footwear with more than $12 billion in revenues.

Mr. Wiseman has 35 years of experience in the apparel industry. He joined the company as Executive Vice President of JanSport, and then held a progression of leadership roles, including Chairman of VF’s Sportswear and Outdoor coalitions, and Executive Vice President, Global Brands. Mr. Erixc Wiseman was named President and Chief Operating Officer in 2006 and elected to VF’s Board of Directors that same year. He was named CEO in January 2008 and Chairman eight months later.