Executive Re-shuffle At VF As Arne Arens Appointed VP/GM The North Face® EMEA

The North Face®, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, announces the promotion of Arne ARENS to VP/GM The North Face® EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) successor to Timo SCHMIDT-EISENHART who assumes the new role of VP/GM Timberland Europe.
Fresh from his recent appointment as VP Sales The North Face® EMEA, Arne ARENS assumes his new role as VP/GM The North Face® EMEA, reporting directly to Rick Wood Coalition President Outdoor & Action Sports, effective end June 2012. ARENS joined The North Face® in 2010 as Sales Director EMEA having previously spent eight years at Nike Inc in key sales and marketing positions.
ARENS will be responsible to provide strategic and operational support to sales, product and marketing, ensuring the achievement of long-term brand objectives. Upon his promotion, ARENS enthused: ‘I am really looking forward to continue the positive momentum around the brand in Europe, building on the great relationships we have with our consumers, accounts and our teams. We have a strong foundation and I am confident we will continue on our growth path to become the Nr.1 outdoor brand in all countries in EMEA.’
As part of the VF International strategy of fostering growth opportunities and sharing best talents within the organization, Timo SCHMIDT-EISENHART becomes VP/GM Timberland Europe reporting directly to Richard O’Rourke, SVP Timberland International effective end June 2012. Joining The North Face in 2007 as European Sales Director, SCHMIDT-EISENHART has held the role as VP/GM since 2010, being responsible for driving strong brand and commercial growth across key European and emerging markets.
‘After five years working for The North Face®, including two years as VP/GM, I am very excited to work within another VF brand. With Arne’s extensive experience, passion and knowledge of the Outdoor Industry, The North Face® is in safe hands.” states SCHMIDT-EISENHART.
ARENS will continue to lead the European Sales Team until a successor is appointed. He remains based at VF International’s corporate headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland. SCHMIDT-EISENHART moves to Timberland’s Headquarters in the UK.
ARENS’ appointment marks a series of promotions and new additions to The North Face® as the company drives to build a stronghold of top management and industry talent at all departmental levels.