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Wolverine with new operating structure

Feb 11, 2016 United States
Wolverine with new operating structure
The newly announced brand operating groups are Wolverine Outdoor and Lifestyle Group, Wolverine Boston Group and Wolverine Heritage Group. Key leadership appointments were also made known
With the restruturing action taken into the Operations of the group, the new structure includes:
1. Wolverine Outdoor and Lifestyle Group – Merrell, Chaco, Cat Footwear, Hush Puppies and Sebago;
2. Wolverine Boston Group – Sperry, Saucony, and Keds;
3. Wolverine Heritage Group – Wolverine, Bates, Harley-Davidson Footwear and HyTest.

The group also operates a dedicated International Group designed to drive growth in all regions outside of North America and the Consumer Direct Group (including the Stride Rite Children's Group) that leads Wolverine's direct-to-consumer initiatives.

Jim Zwiers, an 18-year veteran of the Company who most recently served as President of the International Group, has been appointed president of the Wolverine Outdoor and Lifestyle Group.  Mr. Zwiers brings with him a long record of success at the Company as a key strategic leader, coupled with significant international experience to lead the Company's largest brand operating group with the highest international penetration.  In his new position, Mr. Zwiers 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 of experience in branded footwear and apparel and has continuously proven his ability to build brands and drive growth in some of the most competitive categories in the industry.  Prior to his most recent appointment, Mr. Woodworth served nine years as president of Saucony – one of the fastest growing and most innovative brands within the Wolverine portfolio.

Ted Gedra, a 30-year veteran of Wolverine Worldwide, will continue to serve as president of the Wolverine Heritage Group.  For the past nine years, Mr. Gedra has delivered consistent results leading the Wolverine Heritage Group and, prior to this role, held several other significant leadership roles within the Company.  Throughout his long tenure with Wolverine, Mr. Gedra has built both strong brands and exceptional teams, in addition to being a member of the Company's senior management team.

In conjunction with Jim Zwiers' new appointment, Nick Ottenwess has been promoted to president of the International Group.  Mr. Ottenwess has over 25 years of experience with the company, serving in a variety of senior positions.  Mr. Ottenwess is a seasoned leader and has developed strong relationships both internally and externally with key global partners.  He has played a critical role in developing and implementing the global growth plans for the company's portfolio of brands.

"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 organization," stated Blake W. Krueger, Wolverine Worldwide's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.

In their new roles, Mr. Zwiers, Mr. Woodworth, Mr. Gedra and Mr. Ottenwess will all report directly to Mr. Krueger.  The group also announced that Jim Gabel has resigned his position as president of the Performance Group and will be relocating back to Canada for personal reasons. 

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