K-Swiss hired Barney Waters, its former brand president, as international brand president.
Waters was president of Garrett Leight California Optical from July 2021 until August 2023. Before that, he was at K-Swiss for over eight years, including brand president, chief brand officer from January 2016 until July 2021 and chief marketing officer from January 2009 until May 2013.
In August 2019, China-based sports brand Xtep International Holdings, Ltd. acquired K-Swiss from E-Land Footwear USA Holdings, Inc., reportedly for $260 million.
Previously, Waters was VP of International at Palladium Boots, which K-Swiss acquired. From 2002 until 2007, he was VP of marketing for Puma.
“I love the footwear business, and, over my career, I’ve specialized in modernizing heritage brands and turning brands around, so this is a great fit,” Waters said. “I had some of my best years at K-Swiss, so I’m delighted to return and to be part of the brand’s future.”
“We are delighted to welcome the return of Barney Waters. Barney brings a wealth of industry expertise, having previously held senior positions at Puma, Palladium and K-Swiss,” said Victor Yan, CEO of Xtep. “Now he will join forces with us once again to embrace new challenges and contribute to our shared success.”
Photo courtesy K-Swiss
