US EditionLLBean President and CEO to Step Down
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MAINE, JUL 14 – Stephen Smith led L.L.Bean through a decade of growth and modernization, overseeing expansion to over 100 stores while guiding the company through the pandemic and strong financial results.
- On July 14, 2025, L.L.Bean announced that Stephen Smith, who has served as President and CEO for ten years, will leave his position in early 2026.
- Stephen Smith became L.L.Bean’s first external CEO in 2016 and is recognized for modernizing the company’s operations while successfully leading it through challenges such as the pandemic.
- Throughout Smith's leadership, L.L.Bean actively expanded its presence across multiple channels by increasing retail locations, growing wholesale partnerships, and broadening its product range, even amid a difficult retail climate.
- Board Chairman Shawn Gorman highlighted that Steve's guidance has had a lasting impact on L.L.Bean and emphasized that the company is strongly prepared for the future.
- The board of directors is actively seeking a replacement for Smith and has planned an extended transition period to ensure a seamless transfer of leadership while Smith continues to support the company's growth efforts through early 2026.
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LL Bean CEO and president will leave the company next year
L.L. Bean has announced that Stephen Smith will leave the company early next year after 10 years as president and CEO. In a press release issued Monday, the Freeport-based retailer credits Smith with modernizing operations and helping the company navigate the pandemic, during which it earned record profits. “Steve’s leadership has shaped L.L.Bean in ways that will endure well beyond his tenure,” board of directors Chair Shawn Gorman said. Accord…
·Bangor, United States
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Lewiston Sun Journal+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
L.L.Bean CEO to step down early next year
Stephen Smith, who has served as the company's CEO since 2016, will depart L.L.Bean in spring 2026.
·Lewiston, United States
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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