Footwear firm Wolverine World Wide has outlined a series of key leadership changes, giving three executives responsibility for several brands as Michigan Group president Todd Spaletto leaves the company. 

Chris Hufnagel, Joelle Grunberg, and Tom Kennedy have been appointed to the firm’s executive leadership team, with each assuming responsibility for multiple brands within Wolverine’s portfolio. They will report directly to chairman, president and CEO Blake Krueger.

“During this unprecedented period of economic disruption, we are making important changes to our leadership team and organisational structure to make the company more nimble and better positioned to seize the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Krueger. “This new structure will accelerate our biggest growth initiatives and strengthen our focus on DTC opportunities. We will also realise meaningful cost savings under the new structure.”

Hufnagel was named global president of Merrell in September 2019 and will continue in that role. CAT Footwear, Chaco and Hush Puppies will also now report to him.

Grunberg, who was appointed as global president of Sperry in February 2020, will continue in her role with Saucony, Keds and the Wolverine Kids Group now also reporting to her.

Kennedy, meanwhile, was named global president of the Wolverine brand in February 2020 and will continue in the role with Bates, Hytest and Harley-Davidson Footwear also now reporting to him.

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“We have a strong portfolio and diversified global distribution network. Many of our brands are resonating with consumers in this current environment, and I believe these changes will make us stronger as we emerge from this crisis,” Krueger added.

As part of these leadership appointments and organisational changes, Todd Spaletto will be departing the company and his role as president of the Michigan Group will not be filled. 

Wolverine World Wide last month withdrew its earnings guidance in light of the challenging environment caused by the spread of Covid-19, and has temporarily closed 90 retail stores.

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