The US shoe and clothing group Wolverine World Wide Inc. is getting a new chairman. On Friday, the company announced that former CEO Blake Krueger will also step down as chairman on May 4. His successor was found internally: Tom Long has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2011 and took on the role of Lead Independent Director last year.
Krueger spent more than thirty years with the group of companies, which includes brands such as Merrell, Saucony and Sperry. In 2007 he was appointed CEO and in 2010 he also assumed the post of Chairman. After stepping down as CEO at the end of 2021, he retained his leading role on the Group’s Board of Directors.
His designated successor recognized the achievements of the departing veteran Krueger: “During his long tenure, the company has transformed from a traditional footwear wholesaler into a consumer-centric, global company with one of the world’s largest portfolios of footwear and lifestyle brands,” said Tom Long in a statement . “I am honored to succeed him as Chairman as part of a planned leadership transition.”