Biography
The president and chief executive of Levi Strauss & Co. was instrumental in marrying the American retailer’s heritage with a new brand of cool that appeals to Gen-Z.
Bergh joined Levi Strauss as chief executive in 2011. In 2017, the company recorded its fourth consecutive year of profits, despite the dominance of athleisure and strains of the fast-fashion schedule. His arrival marked an emphasis on sustainability, as well as an increased millennial and Gen-Z appeal through collaborations with high fashion brands including Vetements, Off-White, and Gosha Rubchinsky.
In March 2019, Levi's successfully launched an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, after the company reported 2018 results of 13.9 percent year-on-year growth in global revenue.
New York-born Bergh graduated from Lafayette College and joined Proctor & Gamble, where he remained for a 28-year career in brand management in a number of leadership positions. In charge of all aspects of branding, innovation and key investment decisions, Bergh led the global expansion of Gillette Fusion to more than 80 markets outside of North America.
In 2015 Bergh joined HP Inc., the printing and personal systems company, as a board member. He has served as lead independent director of the HP Board since March 2017, and in July of the same year, was named non-executive Chairman of the Board.
Bergh is a vegan and triathlete who has raised funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.