Steve Bratspies (born 1967 ) is an accomplished business executive who served as Chief Executive Officer of HanesBrands from January 2020 until his planned departure at the end of 2025 , or when a successor is named.
During his tenure, Bratspies led HanesBrands through a dramatic transformation, focusing on operational excellence, portfolio streamlining, and strategic international growth. Early Career and Background Bratspies is a graduate of The Wharton School , holding an MBA in Strategic Management. He spent
more than 15 years at Walmart , serving as Chief Merchandising Officer and Executive VP Food , where he drove digital transformation and managed more than $330 billion in annual sales . Prior roles included marketing leadership at Frito-Lay North America (PepsiCo) and management consulting with A.T. Kearney .
HanesBrands Leadership (2020–2025) Bratspies was named CEO of HanesBrands effective August 3, 2020 , succeeding longtime executive Gerald Evans . He took over a company with a powerful global brand roster, including Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Maidenform, Bonds, Bali , and others.
HanesBrands is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of everyday apparel. Strategic Achievements and Impact Sale of Champion brand to Authentic Brands Group in mid-2024 for $1.2 billion , streamlining the company's focus and delivering significant cash flow.
Led HanesBrands through the COVID-19 pandemic , pivoting manufacturing to include masks and protective equipment under tight deadlines. Refocused operating model to basics and innerwear, cutting non-core businesses and closing underperforming brick-and-mortar locations…
