Aetrex Worldwide Inc. has added two key sales executives to its growing global team. Jason Israel was appointed vice president of business development in the technology and orthotics division, and Renee Newman joins as the vice president of sales, strategic footwear accounts.
“Aetrex is experiencing a period of substantial growth across our technology, orthotics and footwear divisions and just coming out of our strongest year yet,” said Larry Schwartz, CEO of Aetrex Worldwide. “Both Jason and Renee bring impressive pedigrees and deep industry experience that will help us capitalize on this momentum – we’re excited to see their contributions in the years to come.”
Israel comes to Aetrex with nearly two decades of sales and retail management experience in the footwear sector. Most recently he served as the senior vice president of international sales, global e-commerce and stores for The Rockport Group.
He has also held management positions for The Clarks Companies and Stride Rite Corporation. In his new position, Israel will identify new strategic partnerships and key account opportunities for the Aetrex technology and orthotics division helping place the brand’s industry leading scanners throughout North America. He will report to the company’s executive vice president, Matt Schwartz.
“I wanted to join a company that was doing something disruptive in the footwear space and at same time delivers an end product with a true benefit to the consumer,” said Israel. “Aetrex is an innovative company that has big ideas and the entrepreneurial spirit to make it happen.”
Newman brings 17 years of experience of across sales, merchandising, product development and buying for prominent brands including The Clark’s Group, Papyrus and Macy’s, among others. Most recently Newman was a consultant for a variety of prominent companies after a successful multi-year tenure as vice president of merchandising and planning at Vionic. In her new role, Newman will work to identify and strengthen key account opportunities for Aetrex Footwear, also reporting to Schwartz.
“Aetrex offers a unique proposition and while the brand has been around since 1946, its momentum in their footwear is in its infancy,” said Newman. “I believe in the brand’s technology-backed product, and the huge opportunity that exists in the wellness footwear category. I look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to Aetrex and working with the team to grow footwear sales exponentially.”
