Long-time global footwear industry veteran Dennis Driscoll is retiring on September 1 after more than 44 years. He has served as chief product officer for Xero Shoes since 2012.

Driscoll started in the footwear industry in 1978. He co-founded Avia Athletic Footwear, which was sold to Reebok. He held global positions at renowned brands, including Wilson Sporting Goods, Converse (seven years in senior product roles), Dr. Martens Footwear, and Crocs.

During his tenure at Xero Shoes, Driscoll revolutionized the brand’s minimalist footwear line into more than 40 performance and casual styles of shoes, boots and sandals, expanding beyond Xero Shoes’ flagship DIY sandal kits featured on Shark Tank.

From his start in 2012 to 2022, Xero Shoes grew 58 percent (CAGR) to $48.7 million in net revenue. Driscoll was the sole product designer and developer for his first six years and the line builder and merchandiser for his first eight years.

“When I think of all the lucky things that have enabled Xero Shoes to become what it is today, at the top of the list is our chance meeting with Dennis,” said CEO and Co-founder Steven Sashen. “He has been a mentor, a sounding board, a creative inspiration, a trusted friend, and the backbone of our product. There are now over one million people worldwide who have benefited from what Dennis has done. They, and we, are forever grateful.”

Added Lena Phoenix, president and co-founder, “We can’t thank Dennis enough for choosing to share his wealth of wisdom, experience and guidance with Xero Shoes as we grew our tiny brand into a real footwear company. We are incredibly grateful for the solid foundation of product DNA he created and look forward to continuing to build on that foundation. We are proud to be a part of Dennis’ storied footwear legacy and wish him all the best in his well-earned next chapter.”

In retirement, Driscoll won’t be slowing down. He plans to travel, create art, keep fit with outdoor activities, garden (a master gardener and landscape architect), and spend time with his kids and grandkids.

Michael Pao replaces Driscoll as the CPO and started on July 24. Pao has previously worked in global product management and merchandising with Puma, Crocs, Clarks, and Timberland (read SGB Media’s coverage here).

Photo courtesy Xero Shoes