US footwear and apparel group Wolverine World Wide Inc. has promoted three veteran executives to new posts. On Thursday, the company announced the appointment of Chris Hufnagel as president of the group. In addition, new managers were appointed for the Merrell and Saucony brands.
According to a statement, the personnel decisions are “the next step in the development of the company” and build on the “strategic transformation measures” implemented last year.
Hufnagel, who has been with the group for 14 years and most recently headed the Active Group division, is responsible in his new function for the development and implementation of the strategy for all of the group’s shoe brands, according to a press release. He also heads the areas of customer marketing and data analysis.
Merrell and Saucony get new Global Brand Presidents
Janice Tennant has been promoted to Global Brand President for running shoe label Merrell. She joined Wolverine World Wide in 2018 and took over as Merrell’s Chief Marketing Officer in 2020.
Rob Griffiths, who has been with the group since 2013, is now Global Brand President for the Saucony brand. Most recently, as Managing Director, he managed the group’s operations in the EMEA region, which includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Tennant and Griffiths will report directly to President Hufnagel in their new positions.
“Merrell and Saucony are two of the brands where we see the greatest potential for global growth within our portfolio,” said Group CEO Brendan Hoffman in a statement. “I am delighted to be promoting Janice and Rob and am confident that these strong, experienced leaders will help execute our global strategy and position Wolverine World Wide for long-term success.”