VANS NAMES APRIL VITKUS AS DIRECTOR OF GIRLS MARKETING

Vans has announced the hiring of April Vitkus to Director of Girls Marketing. Vitkus has extensive marketing, retail and sales experience amassed over several years at established and emerging fashion labels and is an important addition to the Vans team as the Brand continues its progression of the Vans Girls business.

Vitkus comes to Vans from Orange County-based fashion label Trovata where she served as Director of Sales and Marketing and managed global sales, distribution, public relations and merchandising. Prior to Trovata, Vitkus spent six years at BCBG Max Azria Group, joining initially as a retail coordinator and rising to Director of Corporate and Retail Marketing. Vitkus’ knowledge and experience in both retail marketing and sales will play a key role in the ongoing success and growth of Vans’ Girls’ category.

“Our girls business has seen a steady progression over the past decade from almost non-existence to a meaningful percentage of our overall business,” said Vans Vice President of Marketing Doug Palladini. “Bringing someone with April’s experience, talent and taste level on board this year is the next step in that evolution and a huge step forward for our Girls program.”

A Northern California native and UCLA graduate, Vitkus recognizes the rich culture and originality that make the Vans brand unique and is eager to bring it to life for young girls.

“Vans has an incredible heritage that I really respect,” said Vitkus. “I understand the emotional connection that people have to the brand because I share it. Growing up, I wore my Vans as a badge that stood for something that remains today: action sports, creativity, a little bit of rebellion, a lot of fun, individuality, fashion, music and art. I’m excited to build upon the strengths of the brand and look forward to sharing it with a new generation of Vans Girls.”