Michael Schmitz will assume the position of Global Chief Sales Officer at Ekn Footwear from Tuesday. Schmitz was previously Managing Director at Birkenstock, where he oversaw the company’s Europe-wide development and expansion.
Under the leadership of Schmitz, sales of the shoe brand are to be strategically expanded. Among other things, expansion into new key markets such as the United States, Asia and other European countries is planned, the company announced on Tuesday. The focus is on new distribution channels, a clearer approach to consumers and the opening of markets with partners who believe in the potential of sustainable lifestyle products, says Schmitz.
Ekn founders Noel Klein-Reesink and Schmitz already know each other from their time together at the shoe label New Balance. The founder sees Schmitz as an “internationally experienced sales professional” who, in addition to his experience in building and restructuring brands, also shares the values of Ekn.
Klein-Reesink founded Ekn Footwear in 2013 with the aim of making the sneaker range on the German market more sustainable. According to the company, Ekn shoes are produced by hand in small numbers in Portugal and are made from ecological, natural materials.