Philip Russo has joined Vans as its global chief design and innovation officer after serving more than six years at Converse.

In his new role, Russo oversees Vans footwear, apparel and accessories design and innovation, as well as design operations and digital product creation across the brand, according to a spokesperson at parent company VF Corp.

Russo has more than 20 years of industry experience. At Converse, he led the brand’s design, innovation, and creative vision as the vice president of global design and innovation. Before joining Converse, Russo led creative design teams at Puma, Fila, Cole Haan, and Asics. He studied at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and Lemoyne College in Syracuse, New York, and holds degrees in both industrial design and psychology. In 2015, he co-founded Scull & Sweep, a modern rowing brand creating best-in-industry rowing apparel and accessories.

“I’m excited about the experience and knowledge that Phil brings to the team,” said Vans Global Brand President Sun Choe in a statement. “I’m looking forward to partnering with him to continue to elevate and evolve our design and innovation capabilities to engage our new and existing consumers.”

Vans is in the midst of a turnaround bid, shuttering unprofitable stores and reducing its value wholesale distribution.

Vans said Russo is driven by a deep-rooted passion for design, the creative process, and the potential of what talented teams can achieve. At Converse, he was also active in progressing an internal culture of creativity and belonging, as executive sponsor of the Converse Pride Network, co-founder and mentor of the All Star Design Team Apprentice Program and an advisor for The Possible Project.

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