VF Corporation terminates Head of Sustainability role amid financial turmoil

Apparel company VF Corporation has terminated its Head of Sustainability role, which was held by David Quass since 2022, as part of a significant wave of layoffs.

CSO Futures can confirm that the company will not look for a replacement for Quass – who announced his departure in a Linkedin post on September 2. 

VF Corporation, which owns brands such as Vans, The North Face and Timberland, has laid off more than 600 people since November 2024 as it attempts to return to profitability following months of declining financial performance.

The company’s share price took a nosedive after its S&P credit rating was downgraded to junk status in November 2024 due to declining sales and profit margins for all four of its top brands. 

That same month, VF Corporation announced 242 layoffs at its Virginia distribution centre, followed by at least 400 more layoffs across commercial functions globally. The company says it is on track to deliver US$300 million in cost savings by the end of 2025.

David Quass leaves VF Corporation after nearly four years

Quass, who joined VF Corporation from his role as Global Director of Brand Sustainability Strategy at sportswear brand adidas in 2022, shared an emotional post on Linkedin to announce his departure this week.

“All of your knowledge, your brand love and your passion for seeking only the best will remain. Many of you served as an inspiration in your unwavering pursuit to find ways to pivot the status quo of VF and be a force for good. Keep on doing just that,” he said.

“To those who carry the journey forward – there is so much potential! I have no doubt you will unleash it.”

Quass led the brand, circularity and sustainability strategy at adidas for nearly nine years before his move to VF Corporation. 

VF Corporation sustainability progress

The firm has an SBTi-approved climate target to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050, as well as a commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% and absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services and upstream transportation and distribution by 33% by 2030, from a 2017 base year.

As of 2024, VF Corporation had reduced its absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46%, while Scope 3 emissions were up by 17% from its baseline – despite converting 48% of its polyester use to recycled sources.