ROCKFORD, Mich., Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW) today announced the appointment of Ira P. Hernowitz as President of the Stride Rite Children's Group. Hernowitz is a seasoned and proven executive with a wealth of experience in developing and marketing products to meet and surpass the demands of both kids and moms.
He most recently served as Executive Vice President of "R" Us Brands for Toys R Us, Inc. He has served in a variety of leadership roles during his career, and his strong background in children's products, coupled with his retail expertise, make Hernowitz uniquely qualified to lead the Company's important children's division.
"I am very pleased to have Ira join the leadership team and expect that he will bring valuable perspective as a leader whose approach is highly consumer-centric and focused on creating meaningful experiences at retail," said Blake W. Krueger, Chairman and CEO of Wolverine Worldwide.
Mark Neal, President of the Lifestyle Group, commented, "We are very pleased to have found such a dynamic and experienced leader for the Stride Rite Children's Group. The Stride Rite team has worked very hard to reposition and reignite the brand at both wholesale and in its consumer direct channels. Ira's exceptional background in marketing products to kids and moms will benefit not only the Stride Rite brand, but also our other brands that have established children's businesses, such as Sperry Top-Sider, Keds and Merrell. We are excited to welcome Ira to the team, and look forward to his immediate contributions to the Stride Rite Children's Group."
"I am excited to join the Stride Rite Children's Group and such a strong leadership team," said Hernowitz. "The Stride Rite brand is the gold standard in children's footwear, and Wolverine Worldwide is an industry leader with an unparalleled portfolio of global lifestyle brands."
Prior to joining Toys R Us, Hernowitz held a variety of senior leadership roles with other global children's specialty companies, including Hasbro and Tyco. Hernowitz holds a BS in Communications from Syracuse University.
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, Inc.