Caleres, Inc., the parent of Famous Footwear and the Naturalizer, Vionic, Allen Edmonds, Blowfish Malibu, and Sam Edelman brands, hired Liz Dunn as SVP of corporate development and strategic communications.

In this newly created role, Dunn will leverage her nearly 30 years of experience spanning equity research, investment banking, consulting, and finance to ensure Caleres aligns its growth ambitions and strategic communications with providing shareholder value. Dunn will report to Caleres president and CEO Jay Schmidt.

“We are pleased to welcome Liz to the Caleres leadership team,” said Schmidt. “Liz has been working closely with Caleres for the last year as a consultant to provide a thoughtful perspective on our strategic and financial plans. Achieving our growth objectives will require disciplined execution and coordinated communication. I am confident Liz’s knowledge and expertise will support our efforts to drive value for our shareholders.”

Dunn has worked as an independent consultant with retailers, brands, and private equity firms for the last ten years. Previously, she spent over a decade as a sell-side equity research analyst covering footwear and apparel, luxury, department stores, and specialty retail. 

Throughout her career, Dunn has been featured in national print and television media as a subject matter expert on consumer companies and stocks. She has worked on the boards of public companies and non-profits. 

Early in her career, Dunn worked in the finance departments of Liz Claiborne and Gap, Inc., and she began her career in the consumer investment banking group at Bear Stearns.

Dunn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Spelman College.

“I am pleased to be joining Caleres at this pivotal time,” Dunn said. “Caleres has transformed its earnings power and recently outlined plans for even greater growth in earnings and shareholder value. I look forward to being part of the team that works to achieve these goals.”

Image courtesy Caleres