Shoes For Crews announced it has named Hudson’s Bay Company alum Donald Watros president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 30.
Stuart Jenkins, the current president, chief innovation officer and CEO, will leave the company. Jenkins, who previously worked for Deckers, joined Shoes For Crews in 2015.
Watros brings with him nearly 30 years of experience in management, finance and operations within the retail space. He most recently served as president of Hudson’s Bay International, a division of diversified global retailer Hudson’s Bay Company, where he was responsible for exploring, acquiring and integrating international businesses.
In 2006, Watros led the team that began the consolidation of multiple international department stores which would eventually become Hudson’s Bay Company as it is known today, as managing director of retail operations at NRDC Equity Partners. During that time, he held various senior management roles within Hudson’s Bay Company and its department stores, including serving as Hudson’s Bay Company president from 2013 to 2015.
Prior to NRDC and Hudson’s Bay Company, Watros served in financial and operations roles of increasing responsibility at Saks Fifth Avenue and the May Department Store Company.
“Don is the ideal leader for Shoes For Crews, bringing the right industry knowledge and skill set to successfully execute our strategy, serve our customers, and continue our mission of keeping workers safe,” said Matt Smith, Shoes For Crews chairman. “He’s an industry veteran and a proven leader in the retail space, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
In the past year, Shoes For Crews has added new talent to its exec team and revamped its offerings to include a new women’s collection and expanded roster of brands, including New Balance and Dockers.