Levi Strauss loses European trade chief

Levi Strauss & Co is without a European trade marketing director following the sudden departure of Brussels-based Guntram Ochs.

Ochs resigned just over a week ago and is on “gardening leave” for the undisclosed remainder of his contract. Ochs held the position for one year. He says he has not decided where his next job will be.

The resignation is the latest in a series of staff moves within the Brussels-based marketing team. Last month Claire Cosgrove, former head of marketing for Timberland in the UK, was appointed trade marketing manager for Levi Strauss. Cosgrove spent five years with Timberland. She will report to the trade marketing director when Ochs’ replacement is found.

Cosgrove replaces Andrea Moore, who has moved internally to become associate brand manager of Levi Strauss’s Vintage Clothing brand. The line was created in 1999 to resurrect Levi’s designs from the year 1873. Moore will be based in Brussels and report to brand manager Helene Cenge.

Meanwhile, Timberland has appointed former Hush Puppies UK marketing manager Rachel Miranda to take over from Cosgrove. She will take up the position this month. Miranda has been with the footwear company for almost five years. Hush Puppies is recruiting her replacement.

Levi Strauss uses Bartle Bogle Hegarty to create its advertising.