Kelly McGinnis 

SVP & Chief Communications Officer 
Levi Strauss
US

 

 

Levi Strauss credits itself as the maker of the “quintessential American garment” — which is, of course, the blue jean. But CEO Chip Bergh (who McGinnis reports to) is the first to say “it takes more than our strong enduring brands” to succeed. For example, the firm is partnering with Google to design smart clothes and the company is continuing to showcase its sustainability mission, in addition to work being on the forefront of social issues.

This is embodied in the company’s values: empathy, originality, integrity and courage. As chief communications officer, McGinnis is responsible for making sure these are demonstrated in all the 160-year-old company’s communication touchpoints. More specifically, she oversees corporate media relations, executive, internal and stakeholder communications, government affairs and community affairs. Bergh said of McGinnis: “Kelly is the best in the business: wicked smart, strategic, and fearless in her leadership. She will play a pivotal role as we work to establish LS&Co. as the best apparel company in the world, both in terms of advancing our corporate reputation and strengthening the capabilities of our communications team.”

Previously, McGinnis was the VP of global communications at Dell. She also held the senior communications position within WPP’s ill-fated agency it built for-Dell, Enfatico (and later, AxiCom). Prior to that, she was general manager of Fleishman-Hillard’s San Francisco office after working with the firm in St. Louis and San Antonio.