Wolverine Worldwide appointed of Daniel Le Vesconte to the position of managing director, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), with responsibility for executing the company’s strategic growth initiatives for this important geographic market.
In his new role, Le Vesconte will lead all EMEA subsidiary and distributor operations for the company’s 16-brand portfolio, including brands such as Merrell, Sperry Top-Sider, CAT Footwear, Hush Puppies, Saucony, Wolverine, Keds, Sebago and Cushe. He will also have responsibility for the development and execution of the company’s cross-EMEA strategy for all company brands in this key market. The EMEA region is one of the largest footwear markets in the world, representing approximately 15 percent of the company’s consolidated revenue. This appointment underscores the company’s commitment to generating growth in the EMEA region, which is defined by significant strategic opportunity as well as ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
According to Bill Brown, President of Wolverine Worldwide’s International Group, “Daniel will lead a talented and vastly experienced team focused on driving this growth. His extensive background in growing lifestyle brands fits seamlessly with the Company’s desire to support both our owned operations and those of our distributors and licensees, while also accelerating brand development and maximizing future opportunities in the region.”
Le Vesconte most recently served as Vice President and General Manager for Vans, Reef EMEA, VF Corporation where he had responsibility for the lifestyle development of the Vans and Reef brands. He brings a diverse background to Wolverine Worldwide, having worked with other lifestyle consumer brands and leading retailers such as Marks & Spencer. Le Vesconte’s more than 20 years of experience with branded consumer goods will provide additional senior-level expertise to support the Company’s core strategy of growing its branded businesses in footwear and apparel wholesale along with direct-to-consumer retail.
Le Vesconte commented, “The opportunity to join Wolverine Worldwide is extremely exciting. The Company’s 16 brands represent some of the world’s most admired and beloved footwear and apparel brands, and I look forward to working with the team to achieve our growth objectives.”
