Krueger has been with Wolverine Worldwide for approximately 30 years, through a series of executive roles culminating in his appointment as CEO and board member in 2007, then as CEO and chairman of the board in 2010. He retired as CEO at the end of 2021, and since then has continued to lead the company’s board of directors as executive chairman in 2022 and as chairman this year.

Long joined Wolverine Worldwide’s board in 2011 after a 30-year career that included serving as CEO of MillerCoors, LLC, CEO and chief marketing officer of Miller Brewing Company, and in several senior global and marketing roles at Coca-Cola. He was appointed lead independent director of Wolverine Worldwide’s board in 2022, and previously served as chair of the Compensation Committee.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Blake for his many years of dedication and service to the Company and its shareholders,” said Long. “During his long tenure the company transformed from a traditional footwear wholesaler into a consumer-focused, global organisation with one of the world’s largest portfolios of footwear and lifestyle brands. I am honored to succeed him as chairman as part of our planned leadership transition.”

Brendan Hoffman, Wolverine Worldwide’s president and chief executive officer, said: “I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with and learn from Blake since I joined the company in August 2020. I look forward to building on the strong foundation he laid and working with the word-class team he assembled to elevate Wolverine Worldwide’s position as a global leader in the industry.

“It has been an absolute privilege and honour to have served Wolverine Worldwide for the past 30 years, and to have played a role in the company’s successful 140-year history,” said Krueger. “I am excited about the company’s future and know that under Brendan’s leadership and the strategic guidance of Long and the board of directors, and with the efforts of our global team, Wolverine Worldwide and its shareholders are in great hands and well-positioned for continued growth and success.”

The company also announced the appointment of Stacia Andersen, Jodi Bricker, and DeMonty Price to its board of directors, effective March 14, 2023.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)