We are catching up on the news that veteran Canadian action sports executive Michel Bilodeau, who has an extensive history with Vans, is headed to Europe to lead the brand in the region.
Currently, Michel is VP/GM of VF Outdoor Action Sports in Canada and is based in Montreal. He oversees The North Face, Timberland, Vans, Smartwool and JanSport in the country.
Before that, he had a very successful run as GM of Vans Canada.
Michel, a Quebecois, told SES he will live in Lugano, Switzerland and work at VF’s EMEA offices in Stabio. He will transition to his new role, VP/GM Vans EMEA, in October.
Prior to joining VF in 2009, Bilodeau was a Partner at Sports Odyssee, Inc., a Canadian distributor of action sportswear, which until 2010 was the sole distributor for the Vans brand in Canada.
Europe is a key territory for Vans, so having someone who thoroughly understands the brand spearheading the business is a plus.
“As EMEA continues to be a critical growth region for the Vans brand, his extensive background and understanding of the marketplace will further enable our ability to grow and authentically connect with our consumers across the region,” Vans President Doug Palladini said in a statement.
Michel is a friend of SES and we wish him the best in his new role.
