CROCS Footwear has named Ron Snyder as the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Caryn Ellison as its Chief Financial Officer. Snyder, who has been serving as the company’s President, received the company’s reigns from CROCS Founder George Boedecker, who remains on the Board of Directors. Boedecker co-founded the company in 2002 with Scott Seamans and Lyndon “Duke” Hanson.
Prior to joining CROCS Footwear, Snyder was Senior Vice President and a corporate officer of global manufacturer Flextronics International, where he served as President of its design and semiconductor groups. Snyder was responsible for growing Flextronics emerging design business into one of the most prominent worldwide design businesses in the electronics industry. Prior to joining Flextronics, Snyder was a founder and officer of the Dii Group, Inc., a successful global electronics manufacturing company that merged with Flextronics in 2000. In his 16 years with Dii, Snyder led manufacturing operations, headed corporate development and mergers and acquisitions, and led global sales and marketing.
Ellison previously was President of Classic Sport, a Broomfield , CO based sporting goods manufacturer. Before joining Classic Sport, Ellison served from 1997-2000 as Chief Executive Officer of Zand Herbal Formulas, which was sold to Botanical Laboratories in 2000. From 1992-1996, she was Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Alfalfa’s Markets, an eleven-store chain of natural supermarkets, which merged with Wild Oats Market in 1996. From 1983-1992 Ellison held various positions at Celestial Seasonings, the last four years as CFO and management buyout partner in the company.
CROCS Footwear is made from a Proprietary Closed Cell Resin (PCCR) that warms and softens with the body’s heat, while molding to the foot. The European styling of the orthotic heel, built-in arch support and tarsal bar position the foot for the ultimate in comfort and health. CROCS are sold in more than 1,900 retail locations nationwide and come in a wide array of colors and styles.
“Ron has the proven ability necessary to lead Crocs to the next level of growth and motivate its employees to create and deliver innovative products that are fun, functional and fashionable. His global experience will enable the company to expand both internationally and domestically,” said Boedecker. “Caryn’s 20 years of financial management experience will advance our company’s operations and provide the top-level financial guidance required during a period of rapid growth.”
Snyder and Ellison plan to continue growing the company and CROCS brand by building international distribution, increasing shoe sales, and expanding the company’s product lines to include new footwear models as well as accessories that complement the popular CROCS shoes.
