SAN LEANDRO, CA — (December 16, 2010) – Skip Yowell, JanSport Co-founder and Vice President of Global Public Relations, today announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2010.
Yowell, together with two colleagues, founded JanSport in 1967 in Seattle, Wash., while in search of the perfect hiking pack. What began as a passion for climbing and hiking turned into the #1 selling day pack in the world. Yowell’s innovative ideas did not end there; he is also credited with creating the first dome tent, waist-suspension flexible frame pack, travel pack and the panel-load daypack.
Yowell has traveled the world giving presentations on the JanSport ® heritage, including expeditions and adventure travel in Tibet, Everest, Kangchenjunga, Kilimanjaro and many other destinations around the globe.
“On behalf of VF Outdoor, the Jan Sport management team and our employees, I want to thank Skip for the forty-three plus years he has devoted to JanSport, not only laying the foundation for a world-class brand, but leading the growth and development of the outdoor industry,” said Steve Munn, JanSport President.
While Yowell is retiring, he will continue to be a global ambassador for the Brand, making appearances on its behalf as well as assisting in the design of the Skip Yowell signature line of JanSport® products.
“My to-do list is long and I have many more mountains to climb,” Yowell said. “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with all of our great employees, customers and vendors over the past forty-three years. “Even though I will retire from my current position, I am excited to contribute to the design of future JanSport® collections and look forward to my continued involvement with the extraordinary non-profits JanSport has worked with for over two decades—what a great industry.”
About JanSport®
JanSport, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1967 in Seattle, Washington, by three pioneers in the outdoor industry. Though the Company began by manufacturing and marketing world-class outdoor backpacks, today the product offering includes technical outdoor gear, daypacks, travel gear and collegiate decorated apparel, sold in sporting goods stores, college bookstores, department stores, and specialty and boutique retail locations throughout the world. The Brand has the spirit of fun and discovery, represented in the Brand tagline: Discover Freedom. For more information, visit www.jansport.com.
About VF
VF Corporation is a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel with more than 30 brands, including Wrangler®, The North Face®, Lee®, Vans®, Nautica®, 7 For All Mankind®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, John Varvatos®, Kipling®, lucy®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders® and Splendid®.
VF Corporation’s press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company’s home page, www.vfc.com.
