Timberland taps Chris McGrath as new vice president of global footwear design

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Jan 31, 2019

Timberland has named industry veteran Chris McGrath as its new vice president of global footwear design.

In his new role, McGrath will lead the brand’s footwear design strategy across men’s, women’s and kids’, and will work closely with recently-appointed creative director Christopher Raeburn to deliver products "that further Timberland’s commitment to responsible innovation and re-interpret the brand’s rich outdoor heritage for today’s generation," the company said. 

He will also lead accessories design, and collaborate with the apparel design team. He will report to Jim Pisani, Timberland's global brand president.

McGrath has previously worked with brands like Musto, Puma, Clarks, Nike, Speedo and McLaren Formula 1. Most recently, he served as head of design for U.K.-based Pentland Brands where he was responsible for design, innovation, development, merchandising and marketing of product. 

“[McGrath's] creative sensibility and international experience, coupled with his strategic approach to design, will be a great complement to our global product teams," said Pisani in a release. "He also has a proven track record as a collaborative leader who delivers strong business results, season after season. All of these qualities will serve him, and us, well.”

Timberland is owned by VF Corp, the company that also operates The North Face and Vans.