LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. elected William H. Williams to its Board of Directors. Mr. Williams is president and CEO of Harry & David Holdings, Inc., a leading multi-channel specialty retailer and producer of branded, gift-quality fruit, gourmet food products, and other premium gifts marketed under the Harry and David brand. The company also markets premium rose plants, horticultural products and gifts, and other premium home and garden decor products under the Jackson & Perkins brand. Mr. Williams served as president and CEO of Harry & David Holdings for 12 years before being promoted to president and COO of Yamanouchi Consumer, Inc., the holding company for Harry & David and Shaklee. He was named CEO of Yamanouchi Consumer in 2002 and returned as president and CEO of Harry & David, following the sale of the company to Wasserstein & Co in 2004.
Prior to joining Harry & David, he held several senior executive positions at Neiman Marcus, where he was responsible for its mail-order, advertising, visual presentation and public relations divisions. Mr. Williams has served on the Oregon Economic Development Commission, the Oregon International Trade Commission and the Oregon Board of Higher Education. He has also served on the boards of directors of several corporations and not-for-profit groups and currently serves on the board of Shop.com.
“We are delighted to have Bill join our Board,” said Richard A. Rosenthal, Chairman of the Board. “His proven leadership experience, combined with a broad working knowledge of sales, marketing and logistics, will be a valuable addition to our team. His insights in the consumer marketplace will help shape our long-term direction and the future success of the company.”
“LaCrosse Footwear and its brands are well-positioned for continued growth in the work and outdoor markets,” said Williams. “I'm pleased to be joining the LaCrosse team and very excited about the company's long-term potential.”
