Wolverine restructures its brands
Footwear group Wolverine World Wide has announced a new group structure, with a series of key leadership appointments. Effective immediately, its brands will be organised into three new groups, one of which will be dedicated to outdoor and lifestyle. The three groups are:
- Wolverine Outdoor and Lifestyle Group – Merrell, Chaco, Cat Footwear, Hush Puppies and Sebago
- Wolverine Boston Group – Sperry, Saucony, and Keds
- Wolverine Heritage Group – Wolverine, Bates, Harley-Davidson Footwear and HyTest.
In addition, it will continue to run its non-US business in a dedicated international group, as well as running a dedicated group for its direct-to-consumer business, which will operate its Stride-Rite children’s shoe brand.
Jim Zwiers will be president of the outdoor and lifestyle group. In 18 years with Wolverine so far, Mr Zwiers has previously had leadership responsibility for the Merrell, Chaco, and Hush Puppies brands. In his new position, he will also serve as president of Merrell until the ongoing search for this key role is concluded.
Richie Woodworth, recently named president of the lifestyle group, will now lead the Wolverine Boston Group as president. Mr Woodworth has more than 30 years’ experience in branded footwear and apparel. Prior to his most recent appointment, he served nine years as president of running shoe brand Saucony, which Wolverine describes as one of the “fastest growing and most innovative brands” in its portfolio.
Ted Gedra, a 30-year veteran of Wolverine Worldwide, will continue to serve as president of the heritage group.
In conjunction with Jim Zwiers' new appointment, Nick Ottenwess has been promoted to president of the international group. Mr Ottenwess has over 25 years’ experience with the company, serving in a variety of senior positions.
Jim Gabel has resigned his position as president of the previously separate performance group and will be relocating back to Canada for personal reasons.
“I am very excited about our new brand group structure and am especially pleased that we have the talent and depth to promote from within the organisation," said chief executive, Blake Krueger, on making the announcement.
