Sara Bland

Personal Information and Education

Sara Bland is an accomplished executive with a strong background in strategy, marketing, and global leadership. Her career spans over two decades, during which she has demonstrated expertise across various industries such as apparel, consumer goods, and consulting.

Sara's educational journey began at York University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and History from 1993 to 1997. During her time there, she was elected Chair of the Student Senate, showcasing her leadership potential early on. She then pursued a Master of Philosophy in International Relations at the University of Cambridge, supported by a Commonwealth full scholarship.

Furthering her academic credentials, Sara attended Harvard Business School from 2001 to 2003, where she graduated with an MBA. She also holds an Applied Certificate for Leading in Context from IMD, a major center for executive education.

Professional Journey

Sara's professional journey began at Procter & Gamble in Toronto, where she worked as a National Project Manager from 1998 to 2001. She successfully managed various marketing and sales roles, achieving significant sales targets. She then moved to Booz Allen Hamilton in New York City, first as a Summer Associate in 2002, and then as a Senior Associate from 2003 to 2007. In this role, she specialized in consumer packaged goods and retail clients, contributing to numerous key achievements.

In 2007, Sara joined PepsiCo in Purchase, NY, where she held multiple positions over nearly a decade. Her roles included Director of Corporate Strategy & Development, Director of Global Marketing Strategy, and Senior Director of Marketing for Global Beverages. She also managed the fast-growing Energy Drinks portfolio, driving a substantial revenue increase.

Sara then transitioned to Glaxo Smith Kline in Singapore as the VP and Global Business Lead for Nutrition from 2016 to 2019. She led GSK's largest FMCG business unit and executed a successful business turnaround that increased market share and margin.

In 2019, Sara joined Kontoor Brands, Inc. in Greensboro, North Carolina. Initially serving as the Chief Strategy Officer, she played a key role in spinning out Kontoor Brands on the NYSE from VF Corporation. She was later promoted to EVP, Global Strategy, where she focused on growth strategy and transformational projects until October 2022.

Current Position

Currently, Sara is the EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at PVH Corp., based in New York. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives for renowned fashion brands Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Key Skills and Achievements

Throughout her career, Sara has been recognized for her strategic thinking, marketing prowess, and ability to drive growth and transformation. Her comprehensive skill set includes strategic planning, brand management, disruptive innovation, and team transformation, all of which have significantly contributed to her success in various high-profile roles.