ROCKFORD, Mich., Aug. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jodi K. Watson to the position of President, Consumer Direct, reporting to Blake W. Krueger, Wolverine's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President. In her new role, Watson will be responsible for direct-to-consumer operations for the Company, including stores and eCommerce.
Watson was most recently Vice President of eCommerce for the Company, leading Wolverine's global digital strategy. She has served on its retail leadership team since joining the Company in 2009.
Commenting on the appointment, Krueger stated, "Jodi is a consumer-centric executive with a proven track record of success. She is an excellent leader and a student of the industry, but most importantly, she is passionate about our consumers and our brands. For the fast-changing, global retail environment in which we compete, Jodi is the right leader at the right time.
"Wolverine Worldwide is committed to expanding its brands' direct-to-consumer footprint around the world. To win in today's global marketplace, lifestyle brands must build deep and emotional connections with their consumers, and there is no better place to build and foster those relationships than in our stores and on our websites."
"The opportunities ahead for Wolverine Worldwide are limitless – our portfolio is the best in the industry, and our platforms are second-to-none," stated Watson. "It has been a privilege to be a part of the Company through such a transformational period. I look forward to working with Blake, our industry-leading management team, and the entire organization as we enter a new era of opportunity for the Company."
Watson has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Before joining Wolverine, she was Chief Marketing Officer for Bag, Borrow or Steal, an innovative marketing leader in eCommerce. Before that, Watson was Vice President of Direct Marketing Services for Williams-Sonoma Inc.
Watson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Management from Portland State University and holds a Masters in Design Methods from the IIT Institute of Design.
With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children's and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Merrell®, Sperry Top-Sider®, Hush Puppies®, Saucony®, Wolverine®, Keds®, Stride Rite®, Sebago®, Cushe®, Chaco®, Bates®, HYTEST®, and Soft Style®. The Company also is the global footwear licensee of popular brands including Cat®,Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in approximately 200 countries and territories. For additional information, please visit our website, www.wolverineworldwide.com.
SOURCE Wolverine Worldwide