Wolverine World Wide (WWW) is promoting Saucony President Richie Woodworth to the position of president of the company’s Lifestyle Group, effective Jan. 3, 2016. The Lifestyle Group includes the Hush Puppies, Keds, Sperry and Stride Rite brands. He will replace Andy Simister, who is leaving WWW to return to the United Kingdom for personal reasons.
Woodworth has over 30 years of experience in branded footwear and apparel. Since 2006, he has led the global growth of WWW’s athletic brand, Saucony, and successfully launched its apparel and accessories lines. Previously, he held executive roles, including president of Tommy Hilfiger Footwear and president of the Greg Norman Collection for Reebok.
In his new role, Woodworth will report directly to WWW Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Blake Krueger.
In a release, Krueger said, “Richie Woodworth is an experienced, strategic and determined leader who has continuously proven his ability to build brands and drive growth in some of the most competitive categories within the footwear and apparel industry.”
Woodworth commented, “Sperry, Stride Rite, Keds, and Hush Puppies all have deep, authentic brand equities from which to draw as we look to drive significant growth around the world. For me, growth has always stemmed from understanding consumers’ needs and developing carefully considered and innovative products, combined with compelling storytelling. I am excited about this new opportunity and privileged to join Blake and the executive management team as we work to build our family of brands around the world.”