Apple has snagged Enrique Atienza from clothier Levis Strauss to make him top director for its U.S. retail market. Atienza was Senior Vice President, Retail Americas and Global Store Operations at Levi’s, said Levi Strauss spokeswoman Sarah Young. Young confirmed Atienza’s departure from Levi Strauss, but would not supply details regarding the move.
A source says that Atienza will be the director of all retail matters for many regions within the West Coast of the United States, and this role is one of the highest ranking retail positions inside of Apple. Several internal and external candidates were considered for the position, but the external Atienza is said to have been the best fit. While Atienza has already signed on with Apple, he is yet to actually begin his management role. He will officially start in October.
According to sources, Apple’s Steve Cano has been given an expanded VP role at Apple. Cano reports directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook, while Atienza will report to Cano.
Apple is reportedly seeking outside candidates for the still vacant Senior Vice President role, and is said to be looking at hires from outside the U.S., but not necessarily viewing that as their only option.
The role of Head of Retail has been vacant since last fall, when John Browett was shown the door after several high-profile faux pas.
