President & CEO
Carhartt, Inc.
Linda Hubbard is President and Chief Executive Officer of Carhartt, Inc., a global leader in workwear apparel, footwear and accessories. In this role, Linda is responsible for developing the company’s corporate strategy and vision, aligning all facets of its operations to fulfill the brand’s promise of creating durable products to serve and protect all hardworking individuals. Leading a global team of 3,000 associates, she oversees all aspects of Carhartt’s business. Linda also serves on Carhartt’s Board of Directors.
In her 23-year tenure with the company, Linda has held key leadership positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. She is the first non-family member to serve in the position of President and CEO in the company’s 136-year history.
Under her leadership, Carhartt has expanded with new products and distribution channels, driving significant growth and market penetration. This includes introducing a dedicated women’s line and growing its direct-to-consumer channels, including Carhartt.com, owned retail stores, and Carhartt Company Gear, a business-to-business platform.
Before joining Carhartt, Linda was an audit partner at Plante Moran, where she provided audit assurance, tax, and consulting services to clients in manufacturing, real estate, construction, and distribution. She graduated from Michigan State University’s Broad School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and holds Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant certifications.
Linda is active in corporate and community activities. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where she serves on the executive, audit, and HR and governance committees. She serves on the boards of Barton Malow, the Michigan State University Research Foundation, Business Leaders of Michigan and the Detroit Economic Club. Linda was also recently appointed to Michigan State University’s Green and White Council.
Tuesday Jan 13
9:45am - 10:15am
Vusion Theatre
In a dynamic conversation between two influential leaders in retail, Linda Hubbard, CEO of Carhartt, and Anne Mehlman, EVP and Global Brand President of Crocs explore how legacy brands can thrive in a fast-changing global marketplace. From workwear to lifestyle footwear, their brands have captured the hearts of consumers through authenticity, innovation, and bold transformation. This session will unpack how Carhartt and Crocs are continuing to evolve to stay connected and relevant to their consumers; strategies for scaling purpose-driven storytelling across global markets; operational insights on navigating supply chain, sustainability, and digital acceleration, and personal leadership philosophies that drive resilience and reinvention. Join this panel for a candid and inspiring dialogue that bridges tradition and disruption – offering actionable insights for retail leaders shaping the future of commerce.