Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1333897
6 • Footwear Insight ~ January/February 2021 footwearinsight.com THE FOOTWEAR EYE By Bob McGee J im Zwiers, president of Wolverine Worldwide's International Group, has been named president of the Rockford, MI company's Global Operations Group. Zwiers, a 23-year WWW veteran, will retain the international group position and responsibilities he has had since 2014. In his new role, Zwiers is replacing the retiring Mike Jeppesen, who spent 33 years in the footwear industry that included the last nine at Wolverine. "Jim is uniquely and ideally suited to lead the Global Operations Group, and I could not be more pleased with this expansion of his role," said Blake Krueger, Wolverine Worldwide's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "His extensive experience with the Company's brands and international operations, coupled with his digital background and successful implementation of speed-to-market initiatives, will help accelerate the Company's digital-first transformation and global eCommerce growth." New eCommerce Head In a separate executive development, Wolverine has hired Matt Blonder, most recently global head of digital for Adidas-owned Reebok, as its new president of Global eCommerce. The Merrell, Saucony and Sperry brand parent is aiming to reach $500 million in global ecommerce sales in 2021. "Wolverine Worldwide witnessed a dramatic change in consumer behavior last year, highlighted by a significant shift to eCommerce and heightened digital engagement," said Wolverine Worldwide president Brendan Hoffman. "We capitalized on this by accelerating our pivot to a digital-first strategy and expanding our digital investments and capabilities, all aimed at engaging consumers online with pinnacle brand experiences, fresh and innovative product, and compelling storytelling. The Company has set a bold goal to achieve $500 million in global eCommerce revenue for 2021. Matt's proven track record makes him the ideal person to lead this ongoing digital transformation." "I'm excited to join Wolverine Worldwide during a period of unprecedented digital growth for the Company and the industry overall," said Blonder. "The Company's diverse and well-positioned brand portfolio provides many opportunities to accelerate growth in the current environment, as we embrace a consumer direct mindset and forge even stronger connections between global consumers and our brands." n Wolverine Worldwide Promotes Jim Zwiers, Names Ecommerce President LEADERSHIP Jim Zwiers Matt Blonder Eneslow Shoes and Orthotics, the 112-year old, family-owned specialty retailer has relocated its flagship NYC store uptown to 1319 Third Avenue at 75th Street, next to Citarella. All Eneslow staff, custom workshop and complete shoe and orthotic services are in full operation at the site. Additionally, Eneslow's suburban store remains in its location on the Horace Harding Expressway in Little Neck, Queens. Adidas reports that in 2021, for the first time, more than 60 percent of its products will be made with sustainable materials. The brand says it is moving closer toward its objective to end plastic waste. From 2024 onward, Adidas will shift to using only recycled polyester. Since 2018, the company has been using exclusively sustainable cotton. Sandal brand Hari Mari announced the addition of its longtime board member Jake Szczepanski to the company's management team as president. At Hari Mari, Szczepanski, who co-founded high-end men's and women's wear label Billy Reid, will help scale and manage the company's internal operations and supply chain to keep pace with the Hari Mari brand's growth trajectory. He will also oversee the creation of the brand's first apparel line, launching in Spring 2021. OS1st announced a partnership with retailer The Good Feet Store. The partnership will bring together OS1st's performance sock and compression-bracing products and The Good Feet Store's proprietary line of arch supports and arch support-related accessories. Industry News